Countdown star Rachel Riley has finally addressed the rumours that she is locked in a furious feud with host Anne Robinson.
Appearing on Lorraine on Friday to discuss her new maths book for adults, Rachel discussed her new baby and relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev.
But the conversation soon turned to the rumours surrounding Rachel’s relationship with Anne.
Lorraine said of Rachel’s newborn: “She’s so cuddly and gorgeous!
“But someone who is not so cuddly, maybe, is Anne Robinson. Now look, there’s been all this stuff in the press – what’s going on?”
Rachel was keeping rather tight-lipped as she appeared to deny the feud, hinting that it is “made up”.
(Image: ITV)
She explained: “I’ve seen all the headlines of the feud escalating – I’ve been on maternity leave for about six to eight weeks, or something!”
Lorraine agreed: “That’s what I mean, you’ve not been there!”
But Rachel went on to say: “I mean, no, she’s not the cuddliest person in the world, but you know, it’s just a different show now. She’s making it her own.
(Image: ITV)
“She’s getting some stuff out of the contestants and sometimes it’s barbed, sometimes it’s funny – and it’s just got a different flavour.”
Lorraine said: “Exactly, and you’ve got to find your way, as you will.”
Speaking about returning to work after maternity leave, Rachel explained: “So I’m on air until December and then the wonderful Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is taking over from me. I’m back filming in January, so I’m not sure when I’ll be back on air – maybe in the spring.”
(Image: ITV)
Thankfully, Rachel won’t be left struggling for childcare, as babies are permitted inside the Channel 4 Countdown studio.
Lorraine explained: “So you can bring babies in, can’t you? You’ve got a brilliant team, an amazing team and it’s such a lovely environment. They’ll all be waiting to see you!”
Rachel said: “Yeah, especially the make-up girls. They’ve been absolutely gorgeous with [daughter] Maven – when Maven comes in she gets to get the brushes and play with the lipsticks! And they’re going to have two little girls to look after now, so we’re not short of hands that want to give cuddles while we get ready.”
Lorraine airs from 9am weekdays on ITV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
