Rachel Riley: Countdown star addresses quitting Channel 4 show '10 years down'

Rachel Riley, 33, has been a favourite on Countdown presenting the numbers and letters round on the show alongside host Nick Hewer.

The TV star celebrated 10 years on the programme last month and now Rachel has revealed how much longer she will be on the show.

Speaking to Express.co.uk at the Cirque du Soleil TOTEM premiere, Rachel admitted she wants to remain on the programme for a very long time.

She spilled: “However long they will have me!”

“It’s been on air 26 years before I had joined. So 10 years down, how many more they’ll have me to go!”

Rachel replaced Carol Vorderman on Countdown in 2009 after the TV legend stepped down from her role in 1982 following 36 years on the show.

Since joining the Channel 4 hit aged 22, Rachel admitted the years have “flown by”.

“When you look back, I’ve got short hair and I’m 22,” she said.

“It feels like a long time ago but also feels like nothing.”

Rachel has built close friendships with her co-stars Nick and Dictionary Corner star Susie Dent on the show.

Speaking about her work pals, the mathematician divulged: “They’re great, really supportive.

“Susie and I went on a girls trip to Dublin at the end of last year.”

Rachel also gave an insight into her relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Pasha Kovalev.

As well as celebrating her 10 years on Countdown, Rachel recently turned 33-years-old and to mark the occasion, Pasha got her a very thoughtful gift.

Divulging details of her birthday presents, she said: ”He got me this coat for my birthday and he had this amazing denim jacket made.”

But the mathematician admitted the denim jacket was “completely mad” as it featured a mix of designs.

“He chose all of these details to go on it like all of this animals from our wildlife trip with my favourite colours and flowers and it’s completely mad, but it’s very cute.”

Rachel Riley has been in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha, 39, since 2014.

The couple met after being partnered together on the BBC One show the previous year.

Countdown airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 2.10pm.

source: express.co.uk