Shocking rumours of backstage spats between the brainy babe Rachel Riley, 37, and the former Weakest Link boss Anne Robinson, 78, have been circulating online. Whispers had it that the numbers whizz and the no-nonsense presenter couldn’t see eye to eye during their time together on the legendary game show Countdown. But now, Rachel has opened up, and it’s one juicy tale.
The Countdown beauty, who’s happily hitched to Strictly sensation Pasha Kovalev, opened up on what really went down behind the scenes. Speaking to The Sun, she spilt the beans on her relationship with her new co-host, Colin Murray, 46, and she claims that there is a significant difference.
“It’s like chalk and cheese!” Rachel exclaimed, describing the atmosphere on set with Colin as “very different” from the days of sharing the spotlight with Anne.
Rachel didn’t mince her words when she spoke about Anne, who, let’s just say, wasn’t quite the cuddly teddy bear she had hoped for. “Well, you’re not going to get a sympathetic shoulder to cry on from Anne. But she might make you cry!” What a scathing statement!
The feisty feline Anne, known for her no-nonsense style, had her say on the alleged feud during an appearance on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored. Anne wasn’t afraid to put the rumours to bed, and she set the record straight. “No, I didn’t not get on with her,” she retorted to Piers, but she did drop a bombshell about her former co-star’s pre-show rituals.
Apparently, while Anne liked some peace and quiet before going on air, Rachel needed all the buzz and hubbub she could get. What a clash of personalities!
Rachel made her showbiz debut back in 2009 at the tender age of 22, taking the reins from Carol Vorderman. And she’s been a fixture on the show ever since, proving that she’s got the brains and the beauty.
Anne, on the other hand, joined the Countdown crew in June 2021, stepping into the shoes of Nick Hewer. But just a year later, in July 2022, she made a swift exit, admitting she’d “stayed longer than I signed up for.” Looks like the Countdown clock was ticking for her.
So, there you have it. The Countdown drama continues to unfold, and we’ll be here, right at the heart of it all, to keep you in the loop!