Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsCarol Vorderman's skin secret at 65 is a Charlotte Tilbury buy available for £3
Carol Vorderman aims dig at BBC after becoming only host to be 'sacked twice'
Carol Vorderman, 65, teases 'toyboy boyfriend, 45' saying she won't 'grow old gracefully'
The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & EntertainmentCarol Vorderman, 65, insists 'I won't apologise' and teases 'toyboy boyfriend, 45'
EditorFrom Countdown to Cap & Gown: Carol Vorderman gets Swansea honour
The former Countdown co‑host, who became a household name after answering a newspaper advert for “a woman with good mathematical skills” back in 1982, received the Doctor of Science degree during the University’s winter graduation ceremonies at the Bay Campus.
From poverty to Cambridge
Born in 1960 and raised in a single‑parent family in north Wales, Carol overcame hardship to win a place at Cambridge at just 17, studying engineering. Her early career included work at Dinorwig Power Station in Llanberis before moving into management training in Leeds.
Her big break came on Channel 4’s Countdown, where she dazzled audiences with her quick‑fire maths skills for more than 25 years. In 2000 she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Carol Vorderman addresses graduates at Swansea University’s Bay Campus after receiving her honorary doctorate.(Image: Swansea University)Carol Vorderman celebrates her honorary degree from Swansea University, recognising her work in broadcasting and STEM education.
(Image: Swansea University)
Championing maths education
Beyond television, Carol has been a tireless advocate for maths education. She chaired a government taskforce to improve numeracy in schools, and founded themathsfactor.com, which helped half a million primary pupils during the Covid pandemic.
Her links with Swansea are strong. In 2021 she delivered an International Women’s Day lecture at the University’s Computational Foundry, inspiring students and staff alike. That visit led to the creation of the Carol Vorderman Maths Access Bursary, worth £2,000 per student. To date, 27 undergraduates in mathematics and actuarial science have benefitted.
Giving back
Carol is also a committed fundraiser, serving as patron of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association and raising money for prostate cancer and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
“A privilege to be honoured”
Speaking after receiving her award, Carol said:
“It’s a privilege to be honoured by Swansea University. Our connection goes back many years, united by a passion for encouraging numeracy and mathematics in young people. It has brought me great joy to support mathematics students at Swansea through giving bursaries. I find our younger generation inspirational: bright, hardworking, talented, curious, creative, tolerant, and kind.”
Related stories: Swansea University honours
Carol Vorderman launches maths bursaries
Nine £2,000 bursaries offered to Swansea University maths students.
Lee Trundle awarded honorary degree
Swansea City legend recognised for his contribution to sport and the community.
Siwan Lillicrap honoured
Former Wales Women’s rugby captain receives honorary degree for her outstanding contribution to Welsh rugby.
Mike Ruddock recognised
Distinguished rugby coach awarded honorary degree for his service to the game in Wales.
George North & Becky James honoured
Rugby star and Olympic cycling medallist both awarded honorary degrees for sporting achievements.
#CarolVorderman #Countdown #honoraryDoctorate #maths #numeracy #SwanseaUniversity
Celebrities urge public to back food banks as use soars during festive period
Carol Vorderman gives major health update as she 'has tests for 70 cancers'
Carol Vorderman says 'I have changed my life' after chronic illness left her in tears
Carol Vorderman says she was 'lying on floor crying' after tragic health diagnosis
Metro – Metro.co.uk: News, Sport, Showbiz, Celebrities from MetroCarol Vorderman reveals she’s been ‘very poorly’ after being forced to quit radio show