Rachel Riley takes aim at Anne Robinson saying presenter ‘might make you cry’

24 July 2023 , 07:35

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Rachel Riley has taken a parting shot at Anne Robinson now she now longer has to work with the self proclaimed Queen of Mean on Countdown.

The 37-year-old maths boffin has been a co-presenter on the Channel 4 quiz show since 2009 and, during that time, she has worked alongside main hosts Jeff Stelling, Nick Hewer and Colin Murray – as well as 78-year-old Anne.

While working with former Weakest Link host Anne, rumours were rife that she and Rachel clashed behind the scenes of the show.

And now that 46-year-old Colin is the host in the main chair, Rachel has been reflecting on the different approaches each of the four presenters have taken when it comes to helming Countdown.

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Rachel Riley has shared a revealing comment about ex Countdown host Anne Robinson (Channel 4)

She told Fabulous magazine: “It is very different. Each presenter has their own style and you don’t always gel with everybody that you work with.”

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And reflecting more specifically on her time with Anne, Rachel couldn't resist making a jibe at Anne as she said: “Well, you’re not going to get a sympathetic shoulder to cry on from Anne. But she might make you cry!”

Anne and Rachel have made occasional comments about each other over the past couple of years while working on Countdown together.

Tensions reached boiling point in November 2021 when reports emerged that Anne found Rachel’s friendly interaction with contestants between filming segments annoying and ordered her microphone to be turned down – causing friction between the pair and on the set of the show.

Anne responded to rumours in May last year, revealing on Radio 4: "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.

"I think we all came to an agreement that we would have mics off before we went into a record, which gave me time to have a chat with the contestants – that's all – and remind them what their hobbies are."

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored back in May, Anne - who hosted the show for only one year from 2021 until 2022 - quipped: "Susie Dent is great, Rachel Riley is completely brilliant at the maths."

While Rachel wasted no time in celebrating the fact Anne was leaving the show.

After it was announced the flame haired presenter was stepping down, she shared a snap of herself online with a glass of wine, writing: "Drinking a toast to the next chapter in Countdown history. I think you’re going to like it."

Colin Murray is the current main Countdown host alongside Rachel and dictionary corner star Susie Dent (Channel 4)

Even replacement host Colin has waded in on the feud rumours, speaking to the Mirror as he was made a permanent presenter to explain that things had changed behind-the-scenes. He said: "The atmosphere has changed and that’s huge."

He added: "I’m not the best presenter, the cleverest or funniest presenter, but I’m me. And me suits Countdown because Countdown is me."