Countdown host Rachel Riley has “loved” working on Channel 4’s Countdown since 2009 – but found one stint not as enjoyable.
TV host and maths pro Rachel has made it well known that she didn’t find former host Anne Robinson the easiest to get on with. Rachel joined the show at the age of 22 and has seen a handful of different hosts front the show, but none quite like Anne…
Rachel originally replaced Carol Vorderman 15 years ago and has appeared on the show ever since. Meanwhile, Anne joined the show in June 2021 and quit just over a year later in July 2022.
READ MORE: Rachel Riley fumes as she’s confronted by lads celebrating terror attack on UK streets
READ MORE: For the latest Showbiz news, click here
Strictly star Rachel has since revealed that she was pleased to see the back of her, describing her as a “headteacher” who didn’t understand that the show was about the contestants and not the host.
(Image: Channel 4)
She acknowledged that some viewers may have “enjoyed” her hosting style but Rachel personally prefers working with her replacement Colin Murray “a lot more”.
Rachel revealed that Anne wasn’t “the cuddliest person in the world” and confessed it was “no secret” she preferred her “friendly” replacement.
Talking about Anne, Rachel told The Sun: “Each presenter has their own style and you don’t always gel with everybody that you work with. Well, you’re not going to get a sympathetic shoulder to cry on from Anne. But she might make you cry!”
(Image: Channel 4)
Rachel also told MailOnline: “She’s been in the industry a long time and she knows what she wants so she decided to leave and good luck to her, but Countdown is not really about us. Any of us could go and as long as the letters and numbers are still there… then that’s what the viewers want.”
Anne has also addressed the rumours of a “feud” with Rachel as she spoke on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored in 2022. Anne explained: “No, I didn’t not get on with her, but some performers like a lot of noise around them before they go on air and others like me, who are trying to get their contestants to remember what their hobbies are, would like some quiet while she’s doing that. So it was important to me that we took her mic off.”
(Image: Channel 4)
She later spoke more highly of Rachel and Countdown’s Lexicographer Susie Dent on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, and said: “They’re both brilliant at what they do. I mean they really, really are. Channel 4 are incredibly lucky to have them. And there isn’t a rift.
“It was me wanting everyone to be quiet in the studio. I like everyone turning up on time and quiet, quiet, quiet. So we did have to iron that out. But that’s it.”
It wasn’t too much longer before Anne announced her departure from the show and released a statement explaining her decision. The Weakest Link presenter wrote: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins,’ she shared, announcing her exit from the game show.
(Image: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)
“I hope too I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.”
Rachel appeared to be thrilled with the news and posted online about the news, alongside a smiling selfie of her with a glass of wine. She captioned the post: “Drinking a toast to the next chapter in Countdown history. I think you’re going to like it.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
