Charlie Dimmock's scandalous past with co-star and devastating family tragedy

12 March 2024 , 21:29

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Charlie Dimmock's scandalous past with co-star and devastating family tragedy

Charlie Dimmock has had to contend with various ups and downs in her life, including an affair that rocked Ground Force viewers.

The gardening expert and television presenter built a name for herself on the iconic garden makeover show, alongside fellow presenters Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh.

Ground Force, which ran between 1997 and 2005, attracted more than 12 million viewers at its peak, with fans loving the banter and enthusiasm of the green-fingered trio. Behind the cameras, however, Charlie ended up scandalising viewers with a shock affair she later claimed she had 'no regrets' over.

During her time presenting Ground Force, the now 57-year-old was also struck with a terrible loss that resulted in her turning down work for two whole years. Here, the Mirror takes a look at Garden Rescue star Charlie's life away from the world of gardening...

Charlie presented Ground Force alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh (BBC)

Although Ground Force was incredibly successful, Charlie's time on the programme was hit with a shocking scandal when she mixed business with pleasure. She split from her long-term partner, John Mushet, in 2001 after having an affair with the show's microphone operator, Andy Simmons.

BBC Garden Rescue hit with endless complaints over 'embarrassing' makeover

Charlie previously opened up about the affair in 2002 and admitted she "doesn't see Andy anymore". "But I don't regret what happened. You wouldn't do anything if you kept worrying about what might go wrong," she said. "John and I had been together for a long time so when we split up, I relied heavily on family and close friends. I've discovered that the most difficult after-effect of the break-up is getting into another relationship."

Charlie went on to date another member of the programme's crew, sound technician Barry Smith. A few years after the split, Charlie experienced heartbreak when her mother and stepfather died in the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. They were on holiday in Phuket, Thailand, when the tsunami hit. Charlie did not speak about the tragedy at the time but her agent said in a statement: "It is very upsetting for her. It has been too soon for her to come to terms with it. She is coping day by day at the moment. We have promised her that we will protect her."

According to The Daily Mail, Charlie turned down any work for two years after the tragedy struck. Charlie's career has branched off in more directions than gardening, including an acting stint when she took on a short role in the 2010 touring production of Calendar Girls. She has since returned to our screens on the BBC makeover show Garden Rescue, alongside garden designers The Rich Brothers, with whom she competes to create stunning outdoor spaces for homeowners around the country.

Zara Woodcock