Carol Thatcher
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Carol Thatcher (born 15 August 1953), styled The Hon. Carol Thatcher, is a British journalist and the daughter of the late Sir Denis Thatcher, Bt and Lady Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister.
She is known to have had an unsuccessful relationship in 1974 with Jonathan Aitken. Her mother kept Aitken out of her Cabinet, allegedly because of this. Despite her mother's fame, Carol Thatcher kept a relatively low profile (though she had a stint presenting radio programmes for LBC). It is assumed that being Margaret Thatcher's daughter caused her problems. She studied law at University College London, then became a journalist with work for BBC Radio 4, TV-am and The Daily Telegraph. Many newspapers refused to publish work with Carol Thatcher’s byline.
Carol Thatcher's low profile ended with her late 2005 participation in the TV show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! She is the author of several books, including:
- Below the parapet: the biography of Denis Thatcher (1996)
- Diary of an election: with Margaret Thatcher on the campaign trail (1983)
Carol Thatcher has a twin brother, Sir Mark Thatcher with a criminal record. "Dumpy and dull, she (Carol Thatcher) felt overshadowed by her more glamorous brother, whom she believed was always her mother's favourite. While her mother pursued her political career and Denis was involved in corporate life, Carol was raised by nannies and teachers at St Paul's boarding school." [1]
In 1991, she caused a storm when she failed to pay her poll tax, the controversial local taxation system introduced to massive protest by her mother. When asked by journalists what her mother would say, Carol replied: "Mum won't give a shit."
In November 2005 Thatcher was selected to appear with a number of fellow celebrities on the popular ITV television show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!. The format of the show meant that she would be forced to spend at least a week in the Australian rainforest with a minimal supply of food in basic living conditions. During her stay she urinated in the middle of the camp at night but did not own up to it when the group were warned not to urinate in camp as this may attract mice which could attract snakes. She had to undergo one of the more infamous 'Bushtucker Trials' during her stay in the jungle — which saw her being forced to eat jungle bugs and kangaroo testicles to help sustain her fellow celebrities. Ultimately, she outlasted all competition, to emerge as the fifth series winner and second 'Queen of the Jungle'.
DNA Tests in association with a reality tv programme 100% English screened on Channel 4 on 13 November 2006 indicate that she has a sizeable proportion of Middle Eastern ancestry.[1]
