Carol Vorderman and Gareth Gates get VERY cosy at Cheltenham as they join stars in VIP area

Carol Vorderman looked in great spirits as she shared a joke with X Factor star Gareth Gates at Cheltenham racecourse today.

Pride of Britain host Carol cut a glamorous figure as she joined big names like royal couple Zara and Mike Tindall, disgraced MP Matt Hancock and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! winner Georgia Toffolo at the famous festival today.

The former Countdown star, 62, lead a host of celebs at annual horse racing event - but made sure all eyes were on her with her fabulous attire.

Wearing a leather bustier, skirt, feathered hat and fur stole, the star completed the look with a pair of designer sunglasses.

Pop Idol Gareth, 38, also scrubbed up well wearing sharp suit as he enjoyed the VIP treatment with the mum-of-two.

The iconic event always attracts a host of stars, all keen to look their best.

Carol Vorderman and Gareth Gates appeared to be in good spirits are they watched the first day of racing together (James Whatling)

The two stars shared as giggle as they watched the racing for a VIP area (James Whatling)

Also in attendance in Gloucestershire were Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall.

The couple love Cheltenham and looked delighted to be there with the King's niece looking positively regal in burgundy.

Hot on their heels was I'm A Celeb winner Georgia Toffolo. The Made In Chelsea star looked striking in a orange boucle wool coat with fur trim.

Gareth and the Celebrity Gogglebox star looked delighted to catch up earlier today (James Whatling)

Carol cut a stylish figure as she arrived at the star-studded racing festival (Tim Merry / Daily Mirror)

She smiled for the cameras holding a Guinness as the first race got underway.

The biggest week in the horse racing calendar has arrived again, as the sport’s most prominent owners, trainers, jockeys and horses descend on Gloucestershire for the Cheltenham Festival.

Last year saw the return of spectators for the first time in two years after the 2021 event was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And as expected, the atmosphere was electric.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall looked dapper as they posed for pictures (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

Matt Hancock and his girlfriend Gina Coladangelo were also at day one of the festival (Tim Merry / Daily Mirror)

The festival will get off to a big start on today for the four-day event with the eagerly anticipated Champion Hurdle taking place at 3:30pm.

Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill is the odds-on favourite to be the successor to 2022 winner Honeysuckle.

Three races then follow, with the Mares' Hurdle running at 16:10 where back-to-back Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle will run under Rachael Blackmore.

Carol made quite the entrance when she rocked up at Cheltenham today (PA)

I'm A Celeb winner Toff was also present for day one of the festival (SplashNews.com)

The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle kicks off at 16:50 before day one comes to a close with the National Hunt Chase.

Hundreds of millions of pounds are bet over the four days of the festival with Friday hosting the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

There is also bound to be great craic on St.Patrick's Day, during which horses and jockeys put on a special show for the star-studded crowd.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.