Carol Vorderman was all smiles yesterday, March 14, as she joked with former Pop Idol star Gareth Gates on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. The sun made a rare appearance as racegoers gathered at Cheltenham Racecourse, with many celebrities and familiar faces stopping by as the Festival got underway.
A number of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! stars flocked to the races yesterday, including Gloucestershire royal couple Mike and Zara Tindall, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and his aide-turned-partner Gina Coladangelo, and Made in Chelsea's Georgia "Toff" Toffolo. Joining them on opening day was maths whizz Carol Vorderman, who was dressed up to the nines as she arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse.
The ex-Countdown star, who lives in Clifton, had all eyes on her yesterday, recycling her leather skirt from the 2022 event. The 62-year-old teamed it with a leather bustier, white shirt, feathered hat and fur stole, completing the look with a pair of designer sunglasses, The Mirror reports.
Read more: Carol Vorderman shares 'special room' at University of Cambridge that's named after her
As she watched Tuesday's races from an exclusive area, she was joined by singer Gareth Gates, who had also scrubbed up well, wearing a smart checked suit and tie. Gareth was photographed making Carol throw her head back with laughter as he clutched onto his betting slips.
Last night, Carol, who was on the water and tea yesterday, addressed rumours that she had been "cosying up" with Gareth. Over two videos posted to Twitter, Carol recounted her conversation with "Matt HanCOCK", as she referred to him, after he came up to her at the races.
"Apparently, I'm now having an affair with Gareth Gates," she said, laughing very hard. "Really?"
Elsewhere at Cheltenham Festival yesterday, the King's niece Zara Tindall put on a regal display in a burgundy coat and heels, with jungle favourite "Magic Mike" Tindall's tie matching with his equestrian wife's outfit. Mike's fellow campmate Matt Hancock kept things smart-casual in a navy jacket and jeans.
Last night, the 2023 Cheltenham Festival announced the first death of the week. Malinello was seriously injured whilst competing in the Wellchild National Hunt Challenge Cup. At the 16th fence of the 3m5f race, the eight-year-old horse, trained by Ben Pauling, who had a 125-1 chance and was being ridden by Gina Andrews, was hurt, and later passed away despite the best efforts of the veterinary staff members.
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