CELEBRITY-turned-pilot Carol Vorderman paid Southampton a flying visit today as she prepares to fly solo around the world.

The former Countdown presenter last year started her training to become a pilot in preparation for the flight.

The 53-year-old mum-of-two aims to become the ninth woman in history to fly solo around the world and the fastest person ever to proceed to the trip after their debut solo flight.

It comes amidspeculation from national newspapers that her position on Loose Women, which she has presented since 2011, is under threat.

Daily Echo:

The daring trip will follow the 29,000 mile route planned by one of Carol's heroes, Amelia Earhart, who went missing during her attempt to become the first person ever to fly around the world in 1937.

Carol said: “I have always wanted to fly.

“When you get to your 50s and your children are a little older you can do the things you wanted to do.

“I just love the adventure of it. You see things in a different way when you're up there.”

Daily Echo: Carol Vorderman with partner Graham Duff.

She already made aviation history in August when she had her first solo flight on live television as part of a broadcast for Loose Women.

Today she landed at Southampton Airport to meet with bosses of navigation firm Garmin, based at the Hounsdown Business Park in the New Forest to discuss plane navigation systems.