Carol Vorderman's love life including divorces, 'special friends' and Pete Wicks' request

Carol Vorderman has spoken out about Pete Wicks' "crush" remarks whilst discussing her love life. The 64 year old former Countdown presenter revealed she has "basically been single" for 15 years following her split from journalist Des Kelly.

Carol, who has walked down the aisle twice, disclosed in 2022 that she was no longer seeking a monogamous partnership. Instead, she has chosen to maintain several "special friends" for casual romances. The TV personality claims this lifestyle has enabled her to enjoy a considerably "freer" way of living, reports WalesOnline. However, during a recent chat with Yours magazine,Carol refused to reveal exactly how many special friends she currently maintains.

She explained: "I know I've had what I call medium-term boyfriends for a year or so, but I've basically been single for about 15 years.

"I have a very close-knit family, great friends, and my two children. We adore each other. I feel like I don't need love because I've got so much in my life."

Here we examine Carol's romantic history over the years, including a cheeky remark from former The Only Way is Essex personality Pete Wicks.

Carol's two divorces

Carol first walked down the aisle when she was merely 24 years old. She exchanged vows with Royal Navy officer Christopher Mather, though the union lasted just 12 months.

Carol confesses she did something "inappropriate" during the service.

Speaking on BBC Wales, she revealed: "I was wearing a dress, right, you know the days when you had the white dress for the day, for the big thing itself."

Carol, when asked by co-host Owain Wynn Evans about her outfit choice, responded: "And I found a frock to wear at night time - it was like something they now wear in Strictly Come Dancing. It was entirely mesh with sequins in the right places."

She added: "So I had this thing that was probably not appropriate for a bride and I got on the stage and sang It's Raining Men."

Four years post her divorce, Carol tied the knot with management consultant Patrick King in 1990. The couple have two children, Katie and Cameron, but decided to part ways in 2000.

Following her split from Patrick, Carol entered into a five-year relationship with Des, which ended in 2006. They reportedly reconciled briefly before finally going their separate ways.

Carol feels more "freer" with 'special friends'

Carol confessed that she feels "freer" having special friends rather than being in a monogamous relationship. Speaking on This Morning in 2022, Carol stated: "Our mothers told us that we should marry when we were still 18 or 19 or 20, so we grew up with that convention that you should find one partner for life. My view is not quite like that."

She went on to say: "I live my life in chapters, and you said and this chapter since I was about 50. So for the last decade or so, I've lived a life which is much freer."

Last year, Carol confirmed that she had parted ways with two of her "special friends". She informed The Times: "Life's moved on. It's free-spirited. There's no ownership but it works."

Pete Wicks' 'weird crush'

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, who co-hosts the Pride of Britain red carpet with his mate Sam Thompson, has previously labelled Carol as his "weird crush". On his Staying Relevant podcast, Pete cheekily said: "Carol let me know when you're free.

"I can't wait to, we can talk maths, have a cracking night on tequila and wake up in the morning to a breakfast made by yours truly!".

A charmed Carol confessed to Heat magazine: "I didn't know who he was then but he's lovely."

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant isn't the only one smitten with Carol. BBC Radio One's Melvin Odoom has also expressed his admiration for the star.

"They all need to go to Specsavers," she quipped.