Rachel Riley, 33, is the current maths whizz on the Channel 4 show, after she replaced Countdown stalwart Carol Vorderman, 58. After the blonde beauty was gifted a bouquet of flowers to mark her 10-year anniversary, following a sweet speech by lexicographer Susie Dent, the show’s host Nick appeared to cheekily shutdown his Dictionary Corner colleague. Susie said: “But I wanted to mention anniversary because today is a really special one. “There is a certain mathematician who passed her audition and came to us exactly 10 years ago.
“Rachel we wanted to honour you today. I know you didn’t know this was happening – it’s not tin but it’s beautiful flowers. Congratulations from all of us.”
The Countdown star appeared particularly grateful as she gushed over her gifts.
Susie added: “We couldn’t do anything without you.”
Countdown host, Nick replied: “Lovely,” as he applauded Rachel.
“That’s wonderful – Susie are you finished?”
His comment was met with laughter from the studio including Susie, who appeared amused by Nick’s cheeky jibe.
Meanwhile, Rachel took to Instagram to show off her card and flowers from the Countdown team as the star also celebrated her birthday today.
She captioned the post: “Today marks 10 years on screen for me at Countdown!!!!
“I’ve loved every minute, well 30 seconds! A lot has changed over the last 10 years but the support of the public hasn’t.
“Thanks all, here’s to 10 more,” and added the hashtags #anniversary #thankyou #countdown #mathsgeek.
Her 366,000 followers flocked to her account to congratulate the star on her achievement.
One fan wrote: “Congratulations on your two anniversaries!! Ten years on Countdown and your birthday today as well!!
“Much love and have a lovely day gorgeous girl.”
A second person commented: “You and Dent. The reigning queens of Panel games!”
A third person added: “Wow congratulations only seem like yesterday when you started.”
During her time, Rachel has also branched out into out into Countdown’s comedy spin-off series 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown along with Susie.
Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown airs tonight at 9pm, both on Channel 4.