She began her career as a journalist, and at one time worked for Robert Maxwell (whom she greatly admired) on the staff of the Daily Mirror. She began appearing on BBC television during the 1980s, on programmes such as Points of View and Watchdog. She caused a furore when she appeared on the comedy show, Room 101, and made derisive comments about the Welsh. The "dominatrix" persona she adopts for the purposes of The Weakest Link is her own invention.