Carol Vorderman has opened up about her love life, admitting she's "basically been single" since splitting from broadcaster Des Kelly in 2006. The 64-year-old former Countdown star, who has been married twice, revealed that she now prefers to have a number of "special friends" rather than seeking a monogamous relationship.

Speaking on This Morning in 2022, Carol shared: "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 continued: "I live my life in chapters, and this chapter since I was about 50. So for the last decade or so, I've lived a life which is much freer.

"I've never felt freer. So I have ignored looking for one person and I have a number of what I've called 'special friends'."

In an interview with Yours magazine, Carol quipped that she's "not going to talk about how many friends I now have - or don't", but confessed she has "never been happier single".

She disclosed that she has had "medium-term" partners since Des but has largely remained single, reports the Express.

She added: "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."

Carol was first married to Christopher Mather in 1985, but their marriage ended in divorce just a year later. She then tied the knot with Patrick King in 1990, but they too divorced in 2020. The couple share two children; Katie King and Cameron King.

Last year, Carol opened up about her romantic life, revealing she has no plans to walk down the aisle again. When quizzed about a potential wedding by Saga, she responded: "No, I don't want that."

Despite this, she admitted that her friends are eager to play matchmaker. "Even my closest friends will still say to me, 'What about so and so?'," she disclosed.

Carol expressed that she is content spending time alone and relishes the freedoms of single life. She elaborated: "If I want to go on a cruise on the fjords I'll happily go on my own - I don't feel I need to have a partner."

The star voiced her satisfaction with her life and her own company, stating: "I'm happy with my life, happy with my own company," and "I'm looking forward to what is coming next."

Carol Vorderman says 'I've got so much in my life' in relationship admission - The Mirror