After Dinner Speakers: Carol Smillie, Mary Robinson, Paul Young

Carol Smillie began her career in show business as the much publicised hostess on ITV’s WHEEL OF FORTUNE, a role however, which denied her a chance to speak. She found her voice, and her feet shortly after as one of BBC2’s THE TRAVEL SHOW. After two years, she was snapped up as a regular on BBC1’s HOLIDAY, often fronting the show. She has also enjoyed guest presenting on many high profile shows including THE BIG BREAKFAST on channel 4, and THE JAMIESONS on BBC Radio 2. It seemed she was now well on her way, when she was chosen to co-host HEARTS OF GOLD on BBC1 with Esther Rantzen. Not wanting to sever her ties with home, Carol fronted her own highly successful fashion programme, GET IT ON for Scottish Television for five series. She has had the dubious honour of being the recipient of two “GOTCHA” Oscars on NOELS HOUSE PARTY and in September 1998 she was honoured with the “Big Red Book” as Michael Aspel surprised her with THIS IS YOUR LIFE. Carol is now one of the most sought after presenters on television and in the corporate market, due largely to her sense of humour and warmth with people, which was especially apparent in her daily chat show SMILLIE’S PEOPLE on BBC1. But the show on everyone’s lips, it seems, is CHANGING ROOMS, the compulsive view that became BBC2’s highest rated programme in its first and second series. The programme has since moved to BBC1 where it is still attracting 11 million viewers every week. It has earned Carol a BAFTA Nomination, an INDIE Award, a National TV Award and an invitation to No 10 Downing Street. Carol has been fronting the MIDWEEK NATIONAL LOTTERY LIVE since the start of its run in February, 1997. She is also the face of BBC1’s SUMMER HOLIDAY. At the turn of the year, she hosts the biggest New Year party in the world with HOGMANAY LIVE on BBC1 and right across Europe. Her latest projects include STAR SECRETS an entertainment show on BBC1 and HOLIDAY SWAPS.