Profile:
Full name: Charlotte Eloise Dimmock.
Born: August 10 1966 in Southampton. Brought up in a cottage in the New Forest.
Star sign: Leo.
Parents: Her father, Terry, was a merchant seaman who was away for long spells. Her mother, Sue, who now works in PR, smokes cigars, drinks Special Brew and goes on naturist holidays. Not an embarrassment at all then.
Education: Started A-levels in physics, biology and chemistry with the intention of training as a forensic scientist. Switched to botany, which she studied for four years in Winchester and Somerset with one year's practical experience at Chelsea Physic Garden.
Previous jobs: Mill Water Gardens garden centre, where she has worked since she was 21.
Lives: Ramshackle cottage in Romsey, Hampshire.
Love life: Partner since 1987 is pond wholesale supplier and New Zealander John Muchet.
