I’m Jilly Goolden, an English wine critic, journalist, and television personality. Born on September 28, 1949, in Surrey, England, I’ve built a reputation for my wine tasting expertise and engaging television appearances.
I’m perhaps best known for my 18-year stint as a co-presenter on the BBC2 Food and Drink television series in Britain. Alongside Chris Kelly, Michael Barry, and Oz Clarke, I’ve had the joy of entertaining and educating audiences with my unique wine descriptions, often comparing tastes to pear drops, liquorice, and even rubber.
Beyond Food and Drink, I’ve graced various television programs. I presented two series on antiques for BBC1, namely “The Great Antiques Hunt” and “Going, Going, Gone,” and regularly appeared on BBC1’s “Holiday” program, sharing my extensive travels. In 2003, I took the helm of “Holiday – You Call the Shots” on BBC1. My unique charm and eccentricity even earned me a spot in the Radio Times’ list of the top 40 most eccentric TV presenters in 2004.
My television career has spanned more than just food and travel. In 2005, I ventured into the Channel 4 series “Extreme Celebrity Detox” and starred in a mini-drama directed by Pauline Quirke. I also performed in “The Vagina Monologues” at the Royal Albert Hall.
In November 2005, I braved the jungle in ITV1’s fifth series of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” Facing a bushtucker trial, I tackled eating various insects and local delicacies, even attempting to eat a kangaroo’s penis, though I couldn’t go through with it. In 2006, I showcased my culinary prowess on “Celebrity MasterChef.”
Writing is another passion of mine; I’ve authored books on wine, food, and palmistry. My works, including volumes of “Food and Drink” and “Entertaining with Food and Drink,” have found success and landed on the Sunday Times best-seller list. I co-authored “Your Hand – An Illustrated Guide To Palmistry” in the early 1980s.
On a personal note, I married Paul Marshall, a former Department of Health civil servant, on May 19, 1984. Together we had three children. Sadly, Paul passed away in March 2021. I now reside in Ashdown Forest, where I host wine tasting evenings.
Through my contributions to the wine world, engaging television presence, and vibrant personality, I’ve become a cherished figure in the industry, bringing the art of wine appreciation closer to people worldwide.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jilly_Goolden
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