Top of the Pops presenter who was as famous as Zoe Ball on 'what went wrong'
Sarah Cawood was one of the biggest TV hosts of the '90s and a key presenter on Top of The Pops. But her life has changed dramatically two decades after her big break.
Sarah's first major role was in children's television for Nickelodeon in the '90s, and just two years later she secured a presenting job on Channel 4's The Girlie Show alongside Sara Cox. The programme ran for two series and followed a magazine format, featuring interviews, live music and stunts.
The show aired at the late 'post-pub' slot of 11pm on Fridays, aiming to be edgier than its competitors and capitalising on the 'ladette' culture that defined the decade. She then joined the revamped Live and Kicking programme for its final two years on air.
Her most significant role came when she landed a spot on Top of The Pops. After her stint ended, she went on to present various mini-series and one-offs, including co-commentating the Eurovision semi-finals in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
However, around this time, many of the big presenting opportunities began to dwindle, with Sarah joining Heart East Anglia's breakfast show team for a year in 2014 before leaving to focus on caring for her children, reports the Daily Record.
In 2022 Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer - but thankfully she was treated and given the all-clear. Earlier this year, the star opened up about her health struggles on social media, expressing fears about her breast cancer returning.
"This is the reality of anyone who has had any kind of cancer," she said. "I never struggled with health anxiety before but post-breast cancer it's all-consuming and it wears me out a bit tbh.
"I have been feeling tired since the new year began and although it's probably just life-ing, there's always a niggling worry that it's back.
"All I can do is carry on doing healthy things, moving my body, practising mindfulness and living each day with gratitude that I got to breathe again this morning.
"So on we go! Batting away those intrusive thoughts and getting on with it. To anyone either going through a cancer diagnosis or anyone who has recovered from cancer and feels like this: I've got you, and my inbox is always open.
"And remember, anything that doesn't feel right: get it checked out. Early detection is key."
Reflecting on her television career in another heartfelt Instagram message, she shared insights into her acceptance of being 'unsuccessful' on TV, adding: "Do I miss telly? I miss the money! And yes, sometimes I wonder what went wrong, but I'm here now so I'm going to make the most of it, however, that looks".
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