Countdown Carol is top of the bottoms

Organisers said the maths wizard and former Countdown host attracted a “deluge” of votes after appearing in a succession of newspaper pictures wearing hip-hugging couture dresses.

The 50-year-old was named winner with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke scooping the male Rear of the Year award.

“I am really surprised and flattered to get this award, particularly at this stage of my life,” Vorderman said.

“I always suspected there were a lot of people out there who were glad to see the back of me, so this has turned out to be very funny indeed.”

The announcement follows speculation that the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister Pippa Middleton could be in the running to win the award after attracting worldwide attention as maid of honour at William and Kate’s wedding on April 29.

Tony Edwards, who organises the annual award, said the 27-year-old was “totally unknown” before the royal wedding and had less than six weeks to gather votes.

“There have been quite a lot of votes for her over the period after the royal wedding, but it was less than six weeks from then to now and a lot of other stars had a lot of time to really ratchet up the votes.

“There is no doubt that Carol Vorderman has got many, many more votes.