Rachel Riley was notably absent from 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown as the show returned to Channel 4 on Friday night (January 6).
The episode saw Jonathan Ross and comedian Joe Wilkinson take on After Life star Roisin Conaty and Ahir Shah, while Jimmy Carr resumed his post as presenter of the comedy spin-off show.
The 36-year-old typically co-presents the daytime puzzle show and its spin-off, but the star was instead replaced by Anne-Marie Imafidon.
READ MORE: Countdown’s Rachel Riley among stars recognised in King’s New Years Honours list
Introducing Rachel’s stand-in, Jimmy told the panel: “Dr Anne-Marie is a computing and mathematics genius who speaks five languages.
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year host also revealed the 32-year-old got two GSCE’s while still at primary school and is the president of the British Science Association.
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“Asking her to fill in for Rachel Riley is like an Uber driver asking Lewis Hamilton to cover his shift,” the stand-up comedian joked.
Prior to the show airing, Anne-Marie took to Twitter to reveal she would be standing in for the Channel 4 regular.
She penned: “It’s almost time. Catch up with me as I stand in for @RachelRileyRR on tonight’s new #CatsCountdown on @Channel4. See you at 9pm!”
(Image: CHANNEL 4)
The announcement went down well with the computer scientist’s followers who couldn’t wait to share their support in the comments.
“Loving you on screen so far!,” gushed one user as another added: “Doing an amazing job.”
A third exclaimed: “Ahh I do love Anne Marie,” while someone else echoed: “Love to see it.”
Anne-Marie became a huge hit with viewers after she stood in for the Strictly Come Dancing star when she went on maternity leave with baby number two.
Rachel gave birth to her second daughter, Noa, with husband Pasha Kovalev in November 2021 and temporarily left her post a few months before.
When the blonde beauty returned to the quiz show in March 2022, she acknowledged Anne-Marie’s great work as she praised: “You made it your own!
“Thanks for keeping my numbers warm. Don’t know how I’m supposed to compete with your blue lip makeup game.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
