Carol Vorderman made a courageous appearance at the prestigious Women in Film and Television (WFTV) Awards in London on Friday, just one week after sharing her ongoing health struggles with the public.
A Night of Glamour and Resilience
The 2025 ceremony, held at the Hilton on Park Lane, saw the former Countdown star, 64, walking the red carpet with poise. Her attendance came after she revealed she was undergoing preventative tests for '70 different cancers'. This proactive approach follows her diagnosis last year with what she described as 'sudden and chronically debilitating' rheumatoid arthritis.
Vorderman looked effortlessly stylish in a silver metallic dress, which she cinched at the waist with a belt and paired with towering black platform shoes. She wore her hair in loose waves and accentuated her features with subtle makeup, presenting a picture of timeless elegance.
Stars Shine on the Red Carpet
She was joined by a host of famous faces, including comedian and new mother Katherine Ryan. The 42-year-old, who welcomed her fourth child, daughter Holland, in October, showcased two stunning outfits. She first turned heads in a dramatic red velvet gown with draped panels and built-in gloves, later changing into a sophisticated black ruffled dress.
The event was a who's who of British entertainment. Dame Joan Collins, 92, attended on the arm of her husband, Percy Gibson, 60, stunning in a black dress and sequinned bolero. Television presenter Stacey Dooley cut a chic figure in an oversized black power suit, while Gavin & Stacey star Alison Steadman beamed on the VIP carpet.
Other notable attendees included Celebrity Traitors star Stephen Fry in a smart three-piece suit, newsreader Fiona Bruce, BBC's Clive Myrie, and actresses Morfydd Clark, Tamsin Greig, and Lucy Punch.
Vorderman's Health Advocacy
Carol's recent health revelations came to light in a comment on an Instagram post by Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor. Dynevor had posted about undergoing a full-body MRI scan for early detection. Vorderman responded, "I’ve done the same this year with a full body MRI and all clear thankfully. Having the special blood test for 70 cancers this week. Early detection where possible is now my mantra."
She explained that her perspective shifted dramatically after her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis nearly a year ago. The condition was so severe it left her "lying on the floor crying for a day" during flare-ups, as she described in a recent interview on Heart Breakfast. After months of trialling different medications, she is now in a more stable place and off steroids.
Vorderman also highlighted the financial barrier to such preventative care, noting that while costs have fallen, "they are sadly still a lot for most people." Sally Dynevor replied to her comment with support, writing, "So important as we get older. Sending love to you xxx."
The WFTV Awards celebrate the achievements of women across the film and television industries. This year's event was not only a showcase of talent but also a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of personal challenges, embodied by attendees like Carol Vorderman.
