'I've finally found MY VOICE'

Carol Vorderman on ageing, staying in shape and dealing with hate

- ARIANA LONGSON.

If there's one word to describe Carol Vorderman, it's most definitely formidable. With brains as well as beauty, when it comes to Carol there's much more than meets the eye. The star, 63, grew up - in her own words - 'in poverty', yet against the odds found herself at Cambridge University, before going on to become one of telly's most recognisable faces.

A self-confessed 'outrageous' extrovert, in recent years the former Countdown presenter has made headlines - and sparked backlash for calling out the government, but that hasn't stopped her from speaking her piece. 'I have always been riotous,' she admits, adding, "They had to calm me down. I was out in nightclubs at 15 in Rhyl, North Wales!' Here, unapologetically herself, Carol opens up about ageing, keeping on top of her famous figure and finding her purpose.

Coming of age