I will always be second to Carol
COUNTDOWN presenter Rachel Riley believes she will always be in Carol Vorderman’s shadow, despite having starred in nearly 2,000 episodes of the show.
The 31-year-old maths whizz joined as Carol’s replacement nine years ago. In an exclusive interview, Rachel said: “I’m now approaching 2,000 episodes. But I’ll forever be the new girl, which is absolutely fine by me as I loved watching Carol Vorderman as a little kid.”
Countdown, which was originally hosted by Richard Whiteley, was the first programme screened on Channel 4 when it launched in 1982. There have now been more than 6,500 episodes.
Since 2012, Nick Hewer, 73, has fronted the show. Rachel said: “I got my job in 2008 and I took every day as it came. I love it. It’s 35 years on air and still as popular, and still getting our typical pensioner and student audience.”
Rachel – whose boyfriend is her former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Russian star Pasha Kovalev, 37 – also stars on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, a late-night comedy version of the show hosted by Jimmy Carr.
She said: “It brings it to a new generation as well, with a slightly more risque edge. Jimmy is rude. He’s a great guy in real life and very quick but we know we’re going to get a tirade of abuse.
“Suzie [Dent, the show’s lexicographer] and I are there to keep the guys in line. They can take the mick and we can take a joke and it’s all good fun.”Speaking about the BBC’s gender pay gap, she added: “I think we’ve come a long way with women’s rights, but we’ve got a long way to go.”