ITV Pride of Britain host Carol Vorderman's 'really odd' relationship with father who she only met when she was 42

Pride of Britain host Carol Vorderman has been on our screens for decades, but off screen has faced her share of tough times including a heartbreaking relationship with her dad. The 63-year-old former Countdown star, also known for her appearances on Have I Got News For You and Loose Women, opened up about a difficult relationship with her father - saying he would see her brother and sister but not her.

They didn't meet until the star was 42. Carol spoke about her relationship with her dad as she delved into some of the toughest challenges she's faced during an appearance on the Postcards From Midlife podcast. Carol reflected: "It gives you the spirit of, 'Well, if I can live through that, I can get through anything.'".

She continued: "Let's go back to 1960, My mother was pregnant with me and then, unbeknownst to her, my father was having an affair with a very young woman.

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"And he told her after I was born on Christmas eve," adding that shortly after her birth, her mother returned to her hometown in North Wales upon learning of the affair. Carol described the tough conditions she grew up in, saying her family lived in a cramped flat and struggled financially.

"We literally had no money and my father never gave my mum money," she recalled, adding: "Because as a child you don't know how hard it is, but when you become a mother yourself you go, 'Oh right, now I get it'."

Carol also shared: "My father - and this was really odd, actually - would see my brother and sister but he would never see me," and added: "I didn't meet him until I was 42."

She then spoke about her mother's second marriage with warmth: "My mum remarried this mad Italian who had been a prisoner of war when I was nine." Carol expressed her deep affection for her stepfather, stating that she "absolutely adores" the man she considers her dad.

Carol recently shared again how her dad would 'never acknowledge' her. Sharing an open letter to her younger self and a picture with her brother for the #ThisLittleGirlIsMe campaign, she wrote: "As we look back at our younger selves (nearly 64 years ago....eek. In this photo with my brother Anton who had been born with a severe cleft lip and palate @clapacommunity ) we are asked to send a message to you as a little girl.

"What would you send to your younger self? This is mine. 'Dear little Carol… It doesn’t matter how poor you are now, or how your father refuses to acknowledge you … Use your brain and your smile, work hard and help other people as you would want to be helped. Become independent, look after your Mum and don’t be afraid of bullies. With all of that you’ll have a great and exciting and fulfilling life to come.'"