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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Maisie Lillywhite

Willie Carson in Carol Vorderman Cheltenham pic 'heaven'

Carol Vorderman's 'great friend' Willie Carson looked as though he was "in heaven" as he got close with the former Countdown at Cheltenham Festival yesterday, March 15. Maths whizz Carol attended Ladies' Day on day two of the races, after causing quite the stir on Tuesday when she was accused of "cosying up" to former Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

After getting home and changing into her pyjamas, Carol cleared the air on Twitter, appearing to make a dig at Hancock by exaggerating the last half of his surname as she explained that he and girlfriend Gina Coladangelo approached her on the terrace of the Royal Box. Carol, who took issue with the MP entering the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! jungle last year, said that she was "civil" to him as she was "brought up to be polite".

As the second day of Cheltenham Festival drew to a close last night, Carol shared some photos from the festivities, wearing a cape-like tweed jacket to protect herself from the damp and chilly day. The 62-year-old, who lives in Clifton, was interviewed by Bristol's very own Josie Gibson for ITV, alongside AP McCoy, and also caught up with "some great old friends".

Read more: Carol Vorderman makes sly dig at Matt Hancock after being spotted 'cosying up' to him

"Day Two ⁦@CheltenhamRaces.... Saw some great old friends," Carol wrote. "Jill Douglas and I managed to pin down Willy Carson... Had bit of time with ⁦@Josiestweet and AP for ⁦@thismorning.

"My son and my nephew came with me too. A grand family day out."

One of the photos shared by Carol from day two saw her and presenter Jill Douglas sandwiching Willie between them, with the jockey looking elated to be stood with the two women. Fans were quick to point out Willie's joy, saying he looked happier than ever.

Rob replied: "Willy Carson certainly looks like his enjoying himself.... Great as always. Enjoy yourself."

"That’s hilarious!" Mandy said. "Why was Willy so happy?!"

David wrote: "I bet Willy thought he was in heaven."

Carol and her son Cameron at day two of Cheltenham Festival yesterday, March 15 (Tim Merry / Daily Mirror)

Yesterday's Ladies' Day saw Cheltenham Racecourse ditch its strict dress code for the first time in its 200-year history, with women no longer forced to wear hats, dresses and heels. According to MailOnline, organisers hope to attract younger people to Cheltenham Festival with the rules, as jeans and trainers are now allowed.

Despite the relaxed dress code, Carol kept things glamorous in her belted tweed jacket and hat, tight brown trousers, suede boots, leather gloves, and a fur-trimmed bag. Her son Cameron, who she shares with ex-husband Patrick King, looked smart in a shirt and tie as he joined his mum for a day of fun.

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