Who is Carol Vorderman married to and does she have kids?

Her relationship history and more...

a still of Carol Vorderman posing in the desert for I'm a Celebrity in South Africa
(Image credit: Future/Getty)

As she joins the I'm a Celebrity All Stars lineup, fans are wondering who is Carol Vorderman married to and does she have kids? Here's everything to know.

She was rumoured to be replacing Anne Robinson on the legendary Channel 4 show back in 2022, but ruled herself out of the job as Colin Murray was announced as replacement. Now, the mathematician and former Countdown resident number cruncher is returning to the jungle this March for another round of bushtucker trials and campmate drama.

Many fans are delighted to see Carol back on screens but are curious for more details on her love life - including if she's married and whether she has children. We've confirmed the 62-year-old's current relationship status and shared other details about her family life.

Who is Carol Vorderman married to?

Carol Vorderman is not currently married. The divorcee has had two husbands prior - international rugby league player Christopher Mather (married 1985-1986) and second husband, management consultant Patrick King (married 1990-2000).

She's had a number of relationships following her last divorce, dating Red Arrows veteran Graham Duff and journalist and broadcaster Des Kelly after meeting at a Christmas party in 1999. They lived together both in London and in West Cork, Ireland. But the couple split in 2006 after a five-year relationship.

Carol Vorderman and her ex boyfriend Des Kelly

Carol Vorderman and her ex boyfriend Des Kelly.

(Image credit: Getty)

Carol's first marriage happened when the Countdown star was 24-years-old. Her first husband Christopher was a Royal Navy officer at the time. The couple parted after 12 months of marriage.

Carol next walked down the aisle with Patrick King who were together 10 years. Carole admitted that the two shared an "incredibly happy marriage" before they divorced in 2000.

Is Carol Vorderman single?

Yes, Carol confirmed her single status in January 2023, on the Rule Breakers podcast hosted by Michelle Visage. Whilst single, Carol admitted to having "five special friends" who fulfil her romantic needs.

Asked if she was in a relationship, Carol replied: "No! I'm having the best time. I've spoken about this once. I have a system which I've had for ten years. They're called 'special friends'".

"I spoke a couple of months ago about having 'special friends' and it was like, again, the world had fallen in for some people but actually what I found was there was an awful lot of women who said 'I'd never thought about it like this'."

Carol went on to explain that she'd enjoyed "long term relationships, if you like" with these special friends - some lasting years. "One's 11 years, one's seven years, you know everyone is single," she added. "It's a happy place. I hasten to add I'm not into one night stands." 

Carol was asked if she'd ever consider marriage again. In a 2021 interview with the Telegraph, she replied: "Honestly, I just can't see it. I'm always on the move and I have a pretty low boredom threshold. My happiness doesn't depend on being part of a couple, I know that."

Does Carol Vorderman have kids?

Yes, Carol Vorderman has two children - a daughter called Katie, 32, and a son called Cameron, 26. Carol shares her kids with second husband Patrick King.

The 62-year-old last shared a photo of herself with her children on Instagram in March to mark Mother's Day this year. The photo was originally taken in 2017 and showed her son and daughter with Carol's late mum - who died of cancer in 2017.

She paid tribute to her mum on the special day, whilst sharing her love for her children. "I'm so lucky to be genuinely loved by both of my children, and to love them back in equal measure. God I'm lucky. And it makes me beam smiling every day," read part of the caption.

Carol's daughter Katie graduated with a PhD in nanotechnology from Cambridge University last July. In February the mother and daughter attended a Lewis Capaldi concert together, with Carol sharing how the musician had "inspired my girl to get her guitar out again and do some open mic gigs".

Meanwhile, son Cameron graduated from UWE Bristol a few years prior. Carol previously spoke of her pride in son Cameron who got a First Class degree in Animation in 2020 and achieved a Masters' Degree from Dundee University in 2021 despite suffering from severe learning difficulties. He previously made his TV debut on This Morning to discuss how he's taught himself strategies to overcome them.

Announcing her son's achievement last year, Carol said: "I always knew he would make it with the right help but the mainstream system doesn't cater well for most children with these severe learning difficulties. Their development curve is a different shape. They have their superpower and one day THEY find their path IF they're guided well."

Carol recently shared photos of her and Cameron celebrating his birthday together during a trip to Jordan in February 2023. She shared that: "We have been spoiled. Cam was spoiled." The two also attended the Cheltenham races together in January this year.

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Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)