Hardly new to playing centre stage, her colourful career spans thirty years of richly varied roles. Past assignments include acting, dabbling with political satire, and even singing in a six-piece funk-punk band.

No shrinking violet, our Jeni was headhunted by the BBC for their first ever feminist sketch show, Revolting Women. She switched channels and joined ITV when TV AM was launched in the 1980's.

After four and a half years she moved to LWT to make her mark. With two series of The Good Life Guide and the Gardening Roadshow in the bag, Jeni went on to join Six O'Clock Live, which she anchored with Frank Bough.

After a couple of years of working with the likes of Danny Baker and Roddy Llewellyn, she shifted back to the BBC to make films for Anne and Nick, and also host their live coffee mornings on the show. 

However, it's at UKTV Food and Great Food Live and Great Food Bites where Jeni really comes into her own. While chefs whip up meringues, simmer the sauciest of sauces and treat viewers to tasteful feasts, Jeni seasons every show with lively, passionate and informed opinions on almost everything under the sun.

Jeni lives with her husband Jim in Kent. She has one daughter.

Jeni Barnett photo gallery