Rachel Riley has celebrated tude innuendos returning to the show in an apparent swipe at her former Countdown colleague Anne Robinson.
The maths whiz and the show’s lexicographer Susie Dent reportedly clashed with Robinson during her 13-month tenure as host of the Channel 4 series.
Following the 78-year-old’s departure, Colin Murray took over the helm, a move which Riley said made filming “fun” again and no longer feels “like a headmistress watching over us”.
Seemingly hinting at her less than stellar working relationship with the Weakest Link host, the 37-year-old also shared her joy that they “can put the rude words up on the board again”.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Riley said: “The viewing figure are the highest they’ve been in a decade, and we get really good letters from people enjoying it.
“Anne had her own style and Colin has a different one. It’s fun now. We can put the rude words up on the board again.
“We haven’t got a headmistress watching over us. Colin brings quite a lot of good energy. The viewers now can see it.”
Robinson became the sixth and first female host of the programme in 2021, replacing Nick Hewer. However, she was dogged by reports of on-set tensions during her tenure.
She quit last July to spend more time with her grandchildren, but admitted she barely spoke to either Riley or Dent off-camera.
Riley previously told The Standard how Murray was a hugely popular choice to succeed Robinson and said the show’s viewership had increased tenfold since he joined.
“We’re so happy,” Riley told us in January. “He’s such a good host. He loves the show and really cares about it.
“He brings everyone together on the team — from me, [dictionary corner expert] Susie [Dent], the producers, everyone — and I think the proof is in the pudding, the viewers absolutely love him and there’s been a great response to him. It’s amazing.
“Viewing figures are multiple times what they were, they’ve gone up and you can just tell it’s a happy show. It’s such a warm, cuddly, family programme that’s been on for 40 years and it deserves someone who loves it and looks after it.”
