An interview with Rachel at the start of her new career in television.
A 22-year-old Oxford graduate from Essex - who wasn’t even born when Countdown first broadcast, in 1982 - is taking over from Carol Vorderman as the country’s favourite boffin. Rachel Riley admits to being both terrified and excited about her new role, which she won ahead of more than 1000 applicants.
Alongside the show’s new host, Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, Riley is on course to become a household name. The pair took over hosting the quiz on Monday 12th January, 2009.
Although Rachel hasn’t met Carol, she has nothing but admiration for her and she admits stepping into Vorderman’s shoes is going to be a daunting challenge:
‘Carol has been doing Countdown for 26 years and I am a huge fan,’ says Rachel. ‘She sent me a lovely bouquet of flowers when I got the job, with a little note, and I was really appreciative of that. I’d love to meet her one day.’
Rachel is also aware that Carol has an army of loyal fans who may not all take to her:
‘There is no way of getting ready for this show,’ she explains. ‘I am just going to be myself.’
To land the job, Rachel had to undergo a series of gruelling auditions, including playing the numbers game timed by the famous Countdown clock:
‘I practised and practised beforehand and I also bought five Countdown puzzle books to help me’ says Rachel. ‘But nothing can prepare you for playing against the music and clock! I must have done something right, as they invited me back for a proper screen test’
Countdown’s new presenter Jeff has been amazing, adds Rachel.
‘We get on really well and he has put me at ease,’ she says. ‘I met him for the first time when he did his screen test and he looked like he had been doing it forever. He is great, really funny and perfect for it.’
As if things weren’t exciting enough, before taking up the new role Rachel got to go shopping with a stylist to buy a range of outfits and dresses for the programme:
‘Because you’re filming for 45 minutes for each show, you can wear really high heels that you wouldn’t be able to wear all day. That has been great! To be honest, the whole thing has been quite surreal. When I see myself on monitors, I feel as if I have been superimposed in front of the numbers.’
Since the auditions though, her feet haven’t had time to touch the ground. Already, there has been a lot of interest in her personal life, and the new star of Countdown knows it’s only a matter of time before people start to recognise her in the street.
‘It’s so hard to imagine what it’s going to be like when the programme goes on air, but I just want to try and enjoy everything.’
However, as an ardent football fan, she does know that she wants to see more live games with her brother and dad.
‘I love watching Manchester United, and hopefully this means I will be able to see them more - it’s only 45 minutes away from Leeds where we film Countdown. I really like Ronaldo.’
Looking towards the future, Rachel, who has just signed with the same agent as Kirsty Young and Natasha Kaplinsky, says she definitely has no plans to start trying out for other TV jobs.
‘I just want to do Countdown and practise my numbers,’ she says. ‘Who knows what will happen in the future. I really have no idea. But for now, I really am loving doing Countdown. I am living the dream…’
