Carol Vorderman has shared the tragic reason her mum forced her to leave her home in Wales and never return.
The now 61-year-old has revealed how devastated she was when told to stay away after her mum broke-up with her stepfather.
The presenter has in recent years returned to her Welsh home and shared with fans how much she loves it.
Carol discussed her love for the country with her 205,000 followers on Instagram in a Valentine’s post.
She penned: “Happy Welsh Valentine’s Day. For some they say I love you (Dwi’n caru ti) to their beloved. For me I say Iove you to my country.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
“It’s a real love…. We have a word for it in Welsh. HIRAETH.”
The star went on to explain how she “blocked” Wales out after leaving at the age of 20.
She continued: “A real and visceral longing for the homeland which grows ever stronger.
“I grew up in Wales and only known Wales for my first 20 years and then my Mum left my stepfather (who I ADORED) and told me I couldn’t go back home.
(Image: PA)
“So I didn’t for a very long time. I had to block it out. This was before the Internet was even created. Only letters and sporadic phone calls kept us in touch with family back then. Now I’m there half of the year at least and growing.”
The former Countdown star had lived with her mum Jean before she passed away in 2017 following her fourth battle with cancer.
She previously admitted it “took time to come to terms with losing” her mum and said she now has “no responsibilities”.
(Image: Internet Unknown)
Carol said: “From the age of 21, I’d loved looking after Mum. I employed her full-time from when I was 25. We always lived together.
“Now that Katie and Cameron are grown up, I realise this is the first time in my life I’ve had no responsibilities.
“It’s an amazing feeling of freedom. I’ve fulfilled my duties and earned the money, and looked after a lot of people.
“Now it’s about what I choose to do. I’m relaunching, re-engaging and ready for this incredible new chapter.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
