HAPPY BIRTHDAY

RACHEL RILEY, 32. The co-presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown (pictured) has an Oxford mathematics degree. Contestants are warned not to use the expression: ‘Can I get . . ?’ when requesting letters or numbers from her. Rachel is dating her former Strictly partner Pasha Kovalev. She said: ‘As an Essex maths girl who likes football, if I had seen on paper, “Russian ballroom dancer”, I never would have thought we were compatible.’ MARY J. BLIgE, 47. The American R&B singer and actress was at the golden globes this week with nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Mudbound, and Best Song, for Mighty River. Before beating addictions to drink and drugs, she had a fierce reputation — once threatening to punch a female reporter. She was later sent for etiquette lessons by her record label.