'I had to block it out' Carol Vorderman on why mum forced her to leave Wales for good

express.co.uk:

Carol Vorderman, 61, remembered the day her late mum known as Jean - real name Edwina - told her to leave the family home in Wales when she was 20 years old, and never come back.The Countdown star revealed she never stepped foot in the country "for a very long time".The admission comes after Carol celebrated Welsh Valentine's Day on Tuesday.In view of her 205,000 followers on Instagram, 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."It's a real love.... We have a word for it in Welsh.

HIRAETH."It brought back fond memories but also dark ones, as she continued to tell the devastating tale about her mum splitting up with her step-dad.A post shared by Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders)She went on: “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."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."Jean died in 2017 at the age of 88, following her fourth battle with cancer.A heartbroken Carol previously admitted that it "took time to come to terms with losing" her mum and said she now has "no responsibilities".Carol said: “From the age of 21, I’d loved looking after Mum.