Sophie Dahl's Biography

Sophie Dahl was born on September 15, 1977 in London.

Her parents Tessa Dahl and Julian Holloway broke up when Sophie was very young.

Sophie stayed with her mother Tessa, the daughter of Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal. Tessa suffered from depression, and had alcohol and drugs problems, therefore the nanny, Maureen Noble, had a crucial role in bringing up Sophie.

Sophie Dahl went to 10 schools and grew up in 17 homes including an ashram in India.

Sophie Dahl would sometimes spend time with her maternal grandfather Roald Dahl, but he died when she was 13.

Roald Dahl named the character of Sophie in The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) after her.

Sophie Dahl did not finish her A-levels and went to secretarial college.

At 18, she was spotted by Isabella Blow, who encouraged her to be a model.

Sophie Dahl's first job was being photographed nude by Nick Knight.

Sophie, who has been referred to as "Britain's largest model", was once a size 14.

In 2000, a controversial poster showing a naked Sophie Dahl in a suggestive pose was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The Yves Saint Laurent Opium perfume advert attracted 730 complaints.

Sophie was a regular high profile model and featured on the front cover of the likes of Vogue and Arena.

Around this time she reportedly had an affair with Mick Jagger.

In 2007, Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum started going out.

Sophie Dahl gradually switched her career away from modelling to writing.

Her published fictional work has included The Man with the Dancing Eyes, and Playing with the Grown-ups.

In 2009, she published a food book, Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights.

On 15 July 2009, the BBC announced that they had commissioned a series featuring Sophie Dahl cooking and reminiscing on her food memories, The Delicious Miss Dahl.

In December 2010, BBC Two announced that Sophie Dahl would present the story of Mrs Beeton.