Inside Carol Vorderman's love life from failed marriages to very famous ex

Carol Vorderman is taking over 5 Daytime this week for a succession of special appearances. The broadcaster's daytime programming has welcomed the 65-year-old personality for a full day of appearances across the entire line-up on Tuesday (March 17). Carol commenced the day with Jeremy Vine, before progressing through the schedule to appear alongside Storm and Alexis, Matt Allwright, and Vanessa Feltz.

Throughout the day, Carol will be participating in discussions tailored to each programme, highlighting the varied tone, subjects and audiences that comprise 5's daytime proposition. The appearances also mark Carol's return to Channel 5 in her capacity as a team captain on Celebrity Puzzling, alongside Sally Lindsay and host Jeremy Vine, which sees famous faces challenge their intellect with an array of puzzles and brain teasers.

Expressing her enthusiasm ahead of her 5 takeover, Carol said in a statement: "I'm really looking forward to spending the day across 5's daytime shows. It will be great to chat about everything from the issues of the day to real life stories and consumer topics, and of course to share a bit about Celebrity Puzzling. I love a good puzzle, so I'm excited to give viewers a taste of what's coming," reports the Mirror.

To commemorate Carol's appearances across 5's line-up, here's everything you need to know about the star.

Where is Carol Vorderman from?

Carol was born on 24th December, 1960, in Bedford to her Dutch father, Anton, and Welsh mother, Edwina. She is the youngest of three children. Carol experienced childhood heartache when her parents split just three weeks after her birth, with her mum swiftly relocating the family back to her hometown of Prestatyn, North Wales, where Carol and her siblings were raised.

Carol didn't encounter her father again until she was 42 years old. Discussing the reunion, which was arranged by her sister, Carol previously stated: "I was nervous... I only had a fading photograph of dad, taken as a young man. When I walked into the room, he was waiting for me and it took my breath away because we are so facially alike.

"He was grey-haired, smaller and more frail than I had imagined. But there was no doubt that he was my dad - those were my own features staring back at me."

She added: "I hugged him and, as we started to chat, I realised that I actually liked him. I thought, 'Oh, you stupid woman, why haven't you seen him all those years?'. I called him dad right from the start, and it felt so natural."

Carol Vorderman's career

Carol's media career commenced when she joined the Channel 4 game show, Countdown, appearing alongside Richard Whiteley from 1982 until his death in 2005. She then starred with Des Lynam and Des O'Connor, before departing in 2008 and being succeeded by Rachel Riley.

Whilst featuring on Countdown, Carol started presenting numerous programmes on ITV, including How 2, Better Homes, and The Pride of Britain Awards, whilst also fronting shows such as Have I Got News for You, and The Sunday Night Project. She's also featured on Loose Women, and participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, and The Great Celebrity Bake Off in 2020, which she won.

Carol was recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting in Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honours in 2000.

Carol Vorderman's love life

Carol was first married to Royal Navy officer Christopher Mather at the age of 24, but the marriage lasted just one year. She subsequently married management consultant Patrick King at the age of 30. The pair, who separated in 2000, share two children, Katie and Cameron.

Carol then entered into a five-year relationship with prominent sports journalist Des Kelly, but they separated in 2006. They reportedly reconciled briefly, before parting once more. The star has stated that she feels "freer" having special friends, rather than being in a monogamous relationship. After splitting from two of her "special friends", Carol told The Times: "Life's moved on. It's free-spirited. There's no ownership, but it works."

Carol is admired by many in the industry, including Melvin Odoom and former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, who has confessed to having a "weird crush" on the legend. On his Staying Relevant podcast, Pete humorously remarked: "Carol, let me know when you're free. I can't wait - we can talk maths, have a cracking night on tequila, and we can wake up in the morning and I can make you breakfast!"

Carol Vorderman will be appearing on 5's Daytime line up on Tuesday 17th March, starting at 9:15am on Jeremy Vine

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