Caroline appeared in comedy shows such as Shooting Stars and The Fast Show, and rose to prominence as the character Mrs Merton on the mock talk show, the Mrs Merton Show and the comedy programme Mrs Merton and Malcolm . This show was based in her native Heaton Norris, Stockport. She also starred as 'Denise' in the hit BBC comedy The Royle Family, which she also co-wrote with Craig Cash. She moved to Australia  in 2002 and wrote Dossa and Joe shown on BBC2 in 2002 and Early Doors which was shown in 2003 and proved a hit.