‘I stay positive and love my life’ Carol “absolutely loves” flying

Carol Vorderman, 57, celebrates the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our world a better place

It’s that time of year again! How are you feeling about this year’s ceremony?

I’m very excited, as ever, but as the day draws closer, we’re all going, “Argh!” because we’ve got so much to do. We always get it done, though, because we work very hard, and it’s an honour to be part of it.

This is the 20th POB event?

It honestly feels like only yesterday when it all started. Right back in the very beginning, I was writing a column for the Daily Mirror about this new thing called the Internet. I was on everything on TV at that time, and because of my connection with the newspaper, I was asked, ‘Would I host an event called the Pride Of Britain Awards…?’”

It was very different back then?

We had categories like Sportsman of the Year, Politician of the Year, and Inventor of the Year – but within it, there were other awards, such as Child of Courage, Outstanding Bravery, and Lifesaver of the Year. These were so special, I told my bosses I would really like to speak to Piers Morgan (then the Daily Mirror Editor) – can you believe I actually said that? I told him I wasn’t interested in the whole thing, but how I thought there was a show in there…

What are you wearing this year?

All I can tell you is that we have got the all-important outfit now. I’ve got a lot of work on [Carol has been filling in for Lorraine Kelly on the Lorraine show while Lorraine is away for half term], so I wanted to make sure we’d got the dress nailed.

Will you be detoxing?

Right now, I’m trying to make a bit more effort than I normally do, but when you get to your 50s, you worry less about what you look like. I think I worried more about my appearance when I was in my 20s, which is daft because everyone in their 20s looks amazing.

Do you get nervous hosting such a big show?

No, because I’m totally focused. In my view, this is absolutely not about the presenter – or about the presenter crying. My job is to make sure these amazing people have the best night of their lives. Once the ceremony is over, I generally party until the early hours because the adrenalin runs so high. The following day, well, forget it – I am wiped!

Who are you most excited about meeting this year?

I am totally biased, but I have a great love for the Royal Air Force, and they [the men and women of the RAF] will be getting a Special Recognition Award. I absolutely love flying, and I got to quite a high standard last year. I haven’t flown since mum’s death [Carol’s beloved mum Jean lost her battle with cancer in 2017]. I haven’t opened that can of worms yet – but I’m going to start flying again in the New Year. I just needed to resolve some things, so I’ve moved to Cambridge now…

How is that going?

I adore my time there. I genuinely love my life – and it’s about making the most of things. I have never liked negative people, and now, I don’t even talk to people who moan. Pride Of Britain has made me stronger – these people have experienced tragedy, but they still find joy and the determination to help others. We have so little to moan about, and I only want to be around positive people.