Vorderman splits from her partner

Carol Vorderman met Des Kelly at a Christmas party in 1999

Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman has confirmed she has split from her partner after five years together.

The 46-year-old has moved out of the home she shared with sports journalist Des Kelly.

The twice-married TV personality is now living in Bristol with her two children - Cameron, nine, and Katie, 14 - from a previous relationship.

A spokesman for Vorderman said: "It is an amicable parting and they remain very good friends."

The couple met at a Christmas party in 1999 and got together two years later.

Asked in one interview whether they planned to wed, she said: "If we're happy as we are, we should stay as we are. Mind you, I never say never at any time of life."

Vorderman has co-hosted Channel 4's Countdown for 25 years.

Des O'Connor recently took over from Des Lynam as the new presenter, after the death of original host Richard Whiteley in 2005.