Countdown’s Rachel Riley admits tension on set as she breaks silence on Anne Robinson feud
RACHEL Riley has spoken out for the first time since reports emerged of a feud between her and Countdown co-star Anne Robinson.
The 35-year-old admitted that the Channel 4 show is “different” since Anne, 77, joined earlier this year, taking over from Nick Hewer.
Describing Anne as “not the cuddliest person in the world”, Rachel said: “She’s making it her own and she’s getting some stuff out of the contestants and sometimes it’s barbed, sometimes it’s funny, it’s got a different flavour.”
Rachel’s comments on Lorraine come after The Sun revealed how a feud erupted on the set of Countdown – after Anne muted Rachel’s microphone.
A source told us: “It’s safe to say there’s no love lost.”
It’s thought Anne made the move after becoming irritated with Rachel’s small-talk to contestants and crew, which left her feeling “silenced” by the former Weakest Link host.
Anne has also been annoyed by Rachel sometimes “turning up at the last minute” and “being on her phone” before filming at Media City in Salford.
Previously there had been reports of a “young vs old” divide between Anne, Rachel and Dictionary Corner’s Suzie Dent, 56.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Anne is famously known for two things: her dislike of noise and time-keeping. She’ll tolerate neither.
“Anne also has tinnitus and cannot bear excess sound. Rachel, with her big heels and even bigger personality, can be quite loud on set. Rachel used to chat to contestants before every show, and Anne found it hugely distracting.
“She felt she couldn’t do her job properly, or bond with the contestants to help them to relax, before the cameras started rolling.
“Poor old Rachel didn’t work it out for a couple of days, and was babbling away quite happily before realising no one could hear her.
“When Anne said she wanted silence, Rachel turned around in front of the whole studio and stated publicly that she disagreed; that she didn’t find it necessary.”
