Melanie Sykes English television star and model Date of Birth: 07.08.1970 Country: Great Britain

1. Melanie Sykes: Early Life and Career
2. Television Presenter and Host
3. Host of 'Today with Des and Mel' and Other Projects
4. Radio and Book
5. Spokesperson and Current Career

Melanie Sykes: Early Life and Career

Melanie Sykes was born on August 7, 1970, in Mossley, Manchester, to English and Anglo-Indian parents. She first gained recognition in the mid-1990s as the bikini girl in the 'Boddingtons' beer advert. Around the same time, she also modeled for 'Berlei lingerie'.

Television Presenter and Host

After her breakout role on 'The Big Breakfast', Sykes became a regular on television. She has presented on reality shows such as 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' and worked on 'Eastenders Revealed'. In 1999, she released her own documentary for BBC2 on Asian culture in the UK. Sykes has also hosted major shows including 'Miss World', the 'BAFTA Awards', and the 'Q Awards'. She also had her own radio show on Galaxy FM.

Host of 'Today with Des and Mel' and Other Projects

After a brief hiatus from television, Sykes returned in 2003 as a co-host of 'Today with Des and Mel' with Des O'Connor. In May 2006, ITV announced that the show would be one of many axed as part of 'painful but necessary' cost-cutting measures. Sykes has also hosted other ITV shows such as 'The Vault', 'Celebrities Under Pressure', 'National Television Awards Party of the Year', and 'British Soap Awards'.

Radio and Book

Sykes hosted the radio show 'The A List', which was a chart rundown of various national hits. She left the show in late 2006, and Gail Porter took over her slot. In 2006, Sykes co-authored the book 'Blooming Beautiful: My Plan for Looking Great, Being Healthy and Surviving Hormonal Havoc, Throughout Pregnancy and as a New Mum' with Hilary Boyd.

Spokesperson and Current Career

Sykes has served as an official spokesperson for 'Head & Shoulders' shampoo in the UK. She has also filled in for Paul O'Grady on his daytime show since November 2006, most recently in April 2009. Sykes continues to work on both television and in advertising.