Carol Smillie – Biography, Husband, Net Worth, and New Career

Carol Smillie, born Carol Patricia Smillie on 23 December 1961 in Glasgow, is a Scottish former television presenter, actress, and model. She became a household name in the 1990s as the host of the BBC makeover show Changing Rooms and earlier as the face of Wheel of Fortune. Today, she has left the entertainment industry behind to work as a fully qualified humanist celebrant in Glasgow, conducting non‑religious weddings, funerals, and baby namings.

Smillie’s career spanned modelling, a string of popular TV shows, and even a brief stint on Strictly Come Dancing. After stepping back from the screen in the early 2010s, she launched a successful underwear brand and later trained with the Humanist Society Scotland. Her shift from television star to celebrant has drawn widespread interest, especially among fans nostalgic for 1990s British television.

Who is Carol Smillie? Biography and Background

Carol Smillie was born in Glasgow and attended Hutcheson’s Grammar School. She is the youngest of four children. After studying fashion at the Glasgow School of Art, she worked as a model throughout the 1980s to finance her education before moving into television.

Key Insights

• Smillie successfully transitioned from mainstream TV fame to a deeply personal service career as a humanist celebrant.
• Unlike many 1990s TV personalities, she has maintained a strong, positive public profile built on authenticity.
• Her net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely and lack reliability.
• She has been married to Alex Knight since 1991; the couple have three adult children.
• Smillie has publicly discussed leaving showbusiness to address onscreen ageism.

What TV Shows and Movies Was Carol Smillie In?

Smillie’s television career began in 1989 when she became the hostess of ITV’s Wheel of Fortune, a role she held until 1994. She then worked for the BBC on The Travel Show and Holiday before landing her biggest success: presenting Changing Rooms from 1996 to 2003. The show made her a household name across the UK.

Modelling and early work

Before television, Smillie worked as a model throughout the 1980s, which helped fund her studies at the Glasgow School of Art. She also appeared in commercials and print campaigns.

Other television appearances

She presented The National Lottery, her own morning chat show Smillie’s People, Dream Holiday Home, and A Brush With Fame. In 2004, she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in fifth place. She also made a guest appearance in the film Infamy and the children’s series Sooty.

Who is Carol Smillie Married To? Her Husband and Family Life

Carol Smillie has been married to Alex Knight since 1991. The couple have been together for over 34 years. Knight is a restaurateur, though the specific name and location of his restaurant have not been officially confirmed in high‑authority sources. The family resides in Glasgow with their black Labrador, Roxy.

Does Carol Smillie have children?

Yes, she and Alex Knight have three adult children: Christie, Robbie, and Jodie. Her son Robbie currently lives in New York City. The family maintains a relatively private life, and details about the children’s professions are not widely publicised.

Does Carol Smillie have a daughter?

Yes, she has a daughter named Jodie, in addition to two sons. Smillie has occasionally shared family moments on social media but keeps their personal lives out of the spotlight.

What is Carol Smillie Doing Now? Her Career in 2024/2025

Since 2018, Carol Smillie has been working as a fully qualified humanist celebrant based in Glasgow. She conducts non‑religious weddings, funerals, and baby namings. Her personal website describes her role as helping people through “the best and worst days of their lives.”

Smillie regularly shares photos of the ceremonies she oversees on her Instagram account, @carolsmillieofficial. She has spoken publicly about leaving showbusiness to address ageism in television, stating that she no longer felt represented on screen.

What is Carol Smillie’s Net Worth?

There is no specific public figure available for Carol Smillie’s exact net worth. During her peak television years, she rose to become one of the highest‑earning women in television before retiring from the industry in 2012 to focus on business interests. The sale of her underwear brand DiaryDoll in 2018 also contributed to her financial standing.

Various unverified sources estimate her net worth between £1 million and £5 million, but these figures are not confirmed by Smillie or any financial authority. Her privacy regarding finances is consistent with her low‑drama public image.

What is Carol Smillie’s Career Timeline?

1. 1980s: Begins modelling and TV work, including Wheel of Fortune (1989).
2. 1996–2003: Hosts BBC’s Changing Rooms, becoming a household name.
3. 2004: Competes on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing fifth.
4. 2012: Launches the underwear brand DiaryDoll.
5. 2018: Sells DiaryDoll and trains as a humanist celebrant with the Humanist Society Scotland.
6. 2024–2025: Active as a celebrant, sharing updates on Instagram and conducting ceremonies across Scotland.

What is Known and Unknown About Carol Smillie’s Life?

What is the Background of Carol Smillie’s Career Change?

Smillie’s profile is typical of a British TV personality from the 1990s, but her ability to pivot to a meaningful second act as a celebrant distinguishes her from many peers. She has spoken about ageism in television as a driving factor, noting that she no longer felt she had a place on screen as she got older. Her decision to train with the Humanist Society Scotland allowed her to continue working in a role that brings personal fulfilment.

Public interest in Smillie remains driven by nostalgia for Changing Rooms and curiosity about her current life. She has maintained a positive public profile, avoiding the scandals that have affected some of her contemporaries.

What Do Official Sources Say About Carol Smillie?

“Carol Patricia Smillie (born 23 December 1961) is a Scottish former television presenter, actress and model.”

— Wikipedia

“Humanist Celebrant & professional smiler. Getting married in Glasgow? I’m your gal!”

— Carol Smillie’s Instagram bio

“Details her services as a celebrant and MC.”

— carolsmillie.tv

What is the Key Takeaway About Carol Smillie?

Carol Smillie remains a beloved figure from 1990s British television who has successfully reinvented herself as a humanist celebrant. Her story is one of graceful transition away from the spotlight, grounded in authenticity and a desire to serve her community. For those interested in other celebrities who have taken unexpected paths, read about Seann Walsh – Biography, Career and the Strictly Scandal or Ade Edmondson – The Young Ones Star’s Life and Career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carol Smillie