riley replaced
Rachel Riley replaced on Countdown by YouTube star in major show shake up
Rachel first joined Countdown in 2009, taking over from Carol Vorderman
RACHEL Riley has been temporarily replaced on Countdown - by a YouTube star.
The Channel 4 words and numbers show will undergo its biggest shakeup in recent years.
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Rachel, 39, will temporarily step away from the daytime hit to focus on another project.
Countdown producers have drafted in mathematician Dr Tom Crawford as her replacement.
Dr Crawford appears more than qualified for the role, having obtained a PhD in Fluid Dynamics from the University of Cambridge.
The YouTuber also completed a maths degree from the University of Oxford.
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Speaking about joining the show, he said: "COUNTDOWN. Still can’t believe this happened, but you will now be able to watch me attempting to do maths live on television for the next 3 weeks, starting Monday at 2:10pm on @channel4. @rachelrileyrr - and her unparalleled arithmetic skills - are irreplaceable, but with @mrcolinmurray and @susiedent by my side, we’ll do our very best to keep you entertained for the next few weeks.
"Long live daytime television!!"
Rachel joined Countdown in 2009, having taken over from Carol Vorderman who departed the year previous.
Countdown has aired over 8,000 episodes since its launch in 1982 with Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O'Connor, Jeff Stelling, Nick Hewer and Anne Robinson all having stints as hosts.
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Colin Murray took over as host of the long-running series in 2022, having become a fan-favourite with viewers.
Watch the awkward moment Countdown board spells out very rude word - leaving Rachel Riley blushing
Last year The Sun told how mum-of-two Rachel was forced to draft in security over death threats.
She previously said she has been left ‘shaking with fear’ after being vocal in support of the Jewish community amid the Israel Palestine war.
She first hired the security in October of last year and still believes she needs support after ongoing trolling online.
An insider said: “It’s been a really difficult time for Rachel and she is determined to keep being a voice for the community.
“The security has given her that extra confidence. It’s not ideal, but she feels like it’s important.”
Countdown hosts over the years
Since launching in 1982, Channel 4 game show Countdown has become a staple of daytime telly. There have been several presenters throughout the show's long history. Let's take a look back at who has hosted the iconic show.
- Richard Whiteley (1982-2005): The original and longest-serving host, Richard helmed the programme for 23 years. As Countdown was the launch programme for Channel 4, the presenter and journalist was the first person to be seen on the channel. He died in 2005 at the age of 61.
- Des Lynam (2005-2006): Originally from County Clare in Ireland, Des took over from Richard Whiteley after his death. He is known for hosting TV coverage of several sporting events including Wimbledon and the Grand National. He left the show after less than 18 months.
- Des O'Connor (2007-2008): Another Des was next up, in the form of comedian and presenter Des O'Connor. The long-time TV chat show host was known for The Des O'Connor Show and Take Your Pick. He left Countdown to focus on entertainment projects. Des O'Connor died in 2020, aged 88.
- Jeff Stelling (2009-2011): Known for his work presenting Gillette Soccer Saturday, Jeff became the fourth host of Countdown. He had reportedly previously been in consideration to replace Richard Whiteley. He left after three years to focus on football coverage.
- Nick Hewer (2012-2021): Former public relations consultant Nick was one of Lord Sugar's advisors for 10 years on The Apprentice. He became the new host of Countdown in 2012, appearing on both shows for two years. He ultimately left Countdown after nine years.
- Anne Robinson (2021-2022): Best known as the original host of The Weakest Link, in 2021 Anne became the first female Countdown presenter. She left the programme a year later, having recorded 265 episodes.
- Colin Murray (2022-present): Before being named the permanent Countdown host, Colin Murray had been appearing on a guest basis since 2020. He returned to the show following Anne Robinson's departure.
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