Her most successful screen roles were in 'hard luck' stories, most notably Cathy Come Home (1966) and Poor Cow (1967). Her real life was equally turbulent, with bouts of drug abuse and alcoholism, shoplifting charges and several suicide attempts.
Turned down a 10,000 GBP offer to play the role of "Ursula" in Women in Love (1969). Carol was also considered for the lead female role in Straw Dogs (1971).
The band Cock Sparrer recorded a track "Battersea Bardot" dedicated to Carol; it can be found on their album Two Monkeys.
The daughter of a scrap metal dealer and a part-time entertainer. She studied acting at the Corona Stage School.
Had two sons with Mike King of The King Brothers, Sean (b. 1962) and Steve (b. 1965), who also played her character's sons of the same names in Cathy Come Home (1966).