‘There’s a young and old divide’: Countdown’s Anne Robinson and Rachel Riley tension ‘causing awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere’

Anne took over from Nick Hewer earlier this year (Picture: Channel 4)

Anne Robinson’s arrival on Countdown has already caused tension with Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, according to reports.

The 77-year-old replaced Nick Hewer, also 77, who stepped down as host of the tea-time favourite after 10 years at the helm earlier this year.

Anne became the first ever female to front Countdown in its 40-year history but is causing an ‘awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere’ on set.

According to MailOnline, the former The Weakest Link quizmaster’s ‘grand ways’ are causing real issues in what other members of the Countdown team are calling a ‘young versus old’ row.

‘The tension between Rachel and Anne is being openly discussed,’ the source said.

‘It is very much Rachel and Susie against Anne – a case of two camps.’

‘Rachel and Susie don’t care much for Anne and her rather grand ways and things have become pretty uncomfortable,’ the insider continued.

Rachel and Susie are said to be at loggerheads with Anne (Picture: Instagram)

‘Anne likes to do things her way, while Rachel doesn’t go along with how she operates. 

‘This has now led to little social interaction between them away from the cameras.’

Anne is notorious for her cutting remarks as host of the cruellest game show on TV, presenting The Weakest Link for 12 years.

Before taking her place as the host of Countdown, Anne admitted not everyone was going to enjoy her approach and that she had zero time for ‘snowflakes’.

‘In the 1970s it was the tougher women who adapted to a male world,’ she told Radio Times.

‘Now, thankfully, clever women of all shapes and sizes are in the workplace, but it means they don’t have steel armour and are more easily upset.

‘I wish there was a course they had to do, instead of useless Masters degrees, that teaches them the game of office life, and how to win at it.’

Rachel, 35, recently has a big send-off from Countdown as she heads for maternity leave and will be replaced by mathematician Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon.

Metro.co.uk has contacted a spokesperson from Channel 4 for comment on this story.

Countdown airs daily at 2.10pm on Channel 4.

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