Carol Vorderman has playfully quipped that "times are hard" after disclosing she is now managing with just three "special friends," as she opened up about her casual dating arrangements. The Countdown star, aged 65, has consistently been transparent about her romantic life, preferring to date multiple men simultaneously because she finds the idea of a full-time partner unappealing.
Podcast Revelation on Casual Relationships
Speaking candidly on Alan Carr's Life's A Beach podcast this week, Vorderman joked about her current situation, stating, "It's down to three. Times are hard." She explained that while she or the men were always free to end these relationships, she has parted ways with two partners and has not replaced them, leaving her with three long-term companions.
No Short-Term Holiday Romances
Despite her preference for casual setups, Vorderman clarified that she does not engage in short-term holiday flings. She emphasized, "Here's the thing, there's a big difference between going on holiday and having a you know what and coming back. And I don't do that." She described her current arrangements as "very different," noting that all three are quite long-term connections.
No Desire to Settle Down
Just last month, Vorderman reiterated her lack of interest in settling down. The broadcaster, who has been single since splitting from journalist Des Kelly in 2007 after two marriages, has no plans to commit to one man anytime soon. In an interview with The Mirror in January, she stated, "I have no desire to settle down right now. Maybe when I'm 82 - with a 45-year-old!"
Challenging Societal Expectations
Vorderman also critiqued societal pressures on women, adding, "There's this idea that women need a man to travel, to live, to enjoy themselves - you really, really don't. That's not anti-men - it's pro-women, there's a whole world out there and women are reaching for it."
Background on Her 'Special Friends' System
Last year, Vorderman admitted to having five "special friends" with whom she maintained relationships, though she has previously asserted she "doesn't do one night stands." In a 2023 interview with You magazine, she explained that this system works well because she does not seek to be in love and is not a jealous person.
She revealed that her lovers are all single, and she would not mind if any of them fell for someone else and moved on. "Oh yeah, yeah, my 'special friends'," she said. "I'm continuing with that system and it's working very well." She noted that one friend has been in her life for 11 years and another for seven, with her children, Katie, 31, and Cameron, 25, knowing most of them.
Embracing Independence and Honesty
Vorderman relishes the independence and freedom her dating setup provides, stressing that honesty is key. She said there is no issue if her partners desire more intimacy, "as long as you're all honest and have a good time." All involved are single, adhering to a "do no harm" principle, and she expressed happiness for her friends if they meet someone else.
She continued, "I'm not a jealous person and I'm happy when my friends are happy, whether they are 'special friends' or not. The goal of my life is to be happy, not to be in love. I just find people interesting and life interesting."
Reflections on Life Stages
Vorderman reflected on how her perspective has evolved with age, saying, "And you can get to a stage where you choose which bits you enjoy. You can't in your 30s because you're making your way in your career, you're beholden to bosses and all those sorts of things. But in your 60s…"
Carol Vorderman was first married to Christopher Mather from 1985 to 1986 and then to second husband Patrick King from 1990 until 2000, who is the father of her two children. Her openness about her unconventional romantic life continues to spark conversations about relationships and independence.
