BEAUTY HAS EYES ON PRIZE Rachel gets catty about quiz gong

MATHS whizz Rachel Riley has come out fighting ahead of the National Television Awards.

Her show 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown is nominated in the Quiz Show category.

And she reckons it’s way ahead of its rivals because it discovers new talent. Rachel, 33, pictured with the regulars, below, said: “It’s one of the most popular programmes on Channel 4 and we’re really proud to make it.

“The great thing about the show is it brings through new talent. We have the old hands like Jimmy Carr and Sean Lock. “But the producers also make a point of having a new comedian in dictionary corner each time. And that gives them a big platform.

“When they get a slot on TV they get to show how great they are.”

The Countdown spin-off is up against The Chase, Countdown, Pointless and A League Of Their Own. Rachel added: “We’re thrilled to be nominated. Our show is something different. And it brings Countdown to a new audience.

“I think it’s great that we do all-female episodes too. It champions different voices. And, of course, me and Susie Dent get to be there as the experts. We keep things in order.”

Rachel has been fronting Countdown on weekday afternoons for a decade.

Its primetime spin-off has been on air since 2012 and is now in its 17th series. She said: “I love doing them both. They’re different production teams so it’s a totally different experience.

“They’re filmed on the same set and that’s the only thing that’s the same. Long may both of them continue.

“We’re filming more 8 Out of 10 cats. If we win it’ll definitely come up during some of the recordings.”

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