TV host and gardening expert Charlie Dimmock has been a familiar face on our TV screens for more than 25 years. Rising to fame on Ground Force, the renowned gardener became a household name through this iconic show, working alongside her co-presenters Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh.
At its peak of popularity, Ground Force attracted more than 12 million viewers who were charmed by the trio’s engaging chemistry, banter and transforming gardens for well-deserved homeowners.
Away from the spotlight, Charlie led a vibrant personal life. It was a shock to many when it came to light that she had an affair with someone from the production crew, a move she notably expressed “no regrets” about.
Tragedy also struck Charlie’s personal life, leading her to step back from the limelight and refuse work for two years.
Currently Charlie is a presenter on the BBC’s Garden Rescue, teaming up with garden designers The Rich Brothers as they design remarkable gardens for homeowners nationwide, reports the Mirror.
Here’s a glimpse into the life of Garden Rescue host Charlie Dimmock, relationship with her Ground Force co-stars and relationships.
Early career of Charlie Dimmock and her TV breakthrough
Born in West Wellow in Hampshire, Charlie Dimmock is the daughter of merchant seaman Terry and clothes shop owner Sue. She was raised in the scenic New Forest and quickly gained a love of gardening.
As she grew older, Dimmock had a weekend and holiday job at a local garden centre and went on to study horticulture. After college, she joined Romsey Garden Centre which turned out to be a life-changing career move.
While working at the garden centre, she crossed paths with TV producer John Thornicroft, who would later produce Ground Force. Following their initial encounter, Dimmock graced our screens in 1997 on Ground Force, a show she co-hosted for eight years.
Charlie created an unforgettable duo with her co-stars Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh, leading to a successful TV career.
Friendship with Ground Force co-stars
“When we first started filming we were polite to each other for the first two series but by the third series we were like family,” Charlie shared with Warrington Guardian.
“My main memory of Ground Force was laughing lots. It was the same team week in, week out, as well as the same production and crew. You know what it’s like when you work with a team of people and you get on.”
There were some reporters that Garden Force ended due to disagreements among the presenters. However, Charlie refuted this and later revealed that she still keeps in touch with her former Ground Force colleagues.
She disclosed to World of Cruising: “I haven’t seen them recently, but we’re still in contact. Occasionally we chat or bump into each other.”
“Tommy teases me that we’re getting old now, which is ‘true’, but we have loads of happy memories of filming lots and lots of laughter.”
Affair linked with Ground Force
During her travels in New Zealand in the early 90s, Charlie Dimmock met viticulturist John Mushet. The pair decided to settle down together upon their return to the UK, though they never tied the knot.
Despite the roaring success of Ground Force, Charlie’s stint on the show was marred by a scandal when she had an affair with the show’s microphone operator, Andy Simmons, leading to her split from long-term partner John Mushet in 2001.
In 2002, Charlie opened up about the affair and confessed that 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 admitted.
“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 later found love again with another member of the Ground Force crew, sound technician Barry Smith.
In a 2016 interview with the Independent, Charlie revealed that she had no plans to ever get married. “I’m way past marriage at this point. I’m going to be 50 this year. Even sharing a house with someone would be a no for me.”
She further explained: “I like my own company. I like to do what I want to do, I’m very selfish like that. I don’t mind fitting in a bit, but I like to be able to get away and have the house to myself.”
Family tragedy during Boxing Day Tsunami
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.
Charlie Dimmock’s life away from TV
Away from the spotlight, Charlie resides near her childhood home in the New Forest, where she shares her life with her beloved pet horse. In 2011, she renovated her home, revealing to the Daily Mail that she redesigned the kitchen to accommodate her prized £9,000 Aga oven.
Charlie’s personal life remains largely private, with no social media presence to speak of. She has maintained a quiet, low-key existence in the New Forest and away from the public eye.