Carol Vorderman has disclosed that she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that left her 'lying on the floor crying'. The former Countdown presenter, 64, spoke about her health struggles on Heart Radio, revealing that the arthritis came on suddenly after a period of burnout.
Vorderman told presenters Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston: 'I had burnout and then, it’s really weird thing. I had sudden and chronic rheumatoid arthritis and I literally would lie on the floor crying for a day and I couldn’t move my shoulder.' She explained that she had to keep her elbow in at her waist and was on steroids for months while doctors tried different medications.
She is now on the right medication and has been off steroids for three months, saying 'it’s like “Yeah, I like this”'. This follows her earlier comments to OK! magazine, where she described 2025 as 'hellish' health-wise, but noted she has regained her mojo in the last month.
Vorderman also spoke to LBC’s James O’Brien about her burnout, which led her to leave LBC. She said she 'hit burnout in September' after working 'like a machine to get rid of the Tories'. She had to check herself into a hotel after experiencing what she thought were chest pains.
According to the NHS, rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, often affecting hands, feet and wrists. Treatment can reduce flare-ups and prevent long-term damage.
