UB40 star’s wife wins big for wedding cake business after turning her back on showbusiness

The wife of UB40 star Robin Campbell began her career in showbusiness circles, looking after acting and rock music A-listers from Emma Thompson to Iron Maiden and The Kinks. But Luci Campbell wanted to be more of a Homely Girl than a life of touring the world with big aspirations to run her own business.

Turning her back on the glittering world of Hollywood stars, theatre and backstage passes to some of the biggest shows, Luci set up Solihull-based Juci Luci Cake Company. Becoming a specialist cakemaker, she has spent 15 years building up the company while Robin was often recording or touring with his world-famous band

Luci now produces over 100 intricate bespoke creations for Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu weddings each year including high-profile celebrities, politicians and footballers. Even businesses are queuing up to buy her corporate cupcakes including Birmingham Airport, Coventry City Council, and BBC Asian Network.

Now Luci is celebrating the sweet taste of success after winning a coveted top prize at the 2024 Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards. She was named Cake Designer of the Year, picking up her coveted prize from broadcaster Tommy Sandhu.

The 56-year-old, originally from South London, became based in the Midlands as the long-term partner of Robin for over 20 years. The couple tied the knot in 2020 when she even made their own wedding cake.

I love my job and being part of one of the most amazing days of people’s lives is a privilege and huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” said Luci. “Robin is very proud of my work and enjoys being chief cake taster.

A wedding cake by Luci Campbell, wife of UB40 frontman Robin Campbell
“We have been together 20 years and married for four years – and yes, I did make my own wedding cake.”

“My favourite flavour of cake is my signature Chai Latte Cinnamon & Banana with Salted Caramel, baked using ingredients we all love in our house. It’s the favourite of all the wedding suppliers we work with.

“If you see that flavour at a wedding you’ll know it’s made by The Juci Luci Cake Company.”

Starting out making cupcakes, Luci changed to focus on Asian weddings that lifted her up to a higher ground. She set herself apart by doing both regular sponge cakes and egg-free creations along with impressive sugarwork.

Wedding cake businesswoman Luci Campbell with Tommy Sandhu, centre, and husband Robin Campbell right
“I’m so thrilled and delighted we won,” added Luci. “This is a beautiful way to begin the new wedding season.

“We don’t get to be on the guest side of hospitality often when you’re a wedding supplier, so to attend the Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards – and win – is very much appreciated!”

After leaving school, Luci worked in theatre looking after famous actors including Michael Gambon, and Michael Crawford. Moving into the world of music tours, she travelled with Iron Maiden, The Monkees, Squeeze, The Kinks, and even her husband’s band UB40.

Luci’s husband, guitarist Robin Campbell, said: “I’m immensely proud of Luci’s achievements, especially the latest British Asian Wedding Award. Her designs and flavours are extraordinary and my waistline is a testament to that.”

The annual Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards, organised by Oceanic Consulting, features 23 categories celebrating the small business wedding suppliers. Award winners were voted for by the public with judges reviewing supporting evidence from all nominations.