Entertainment
Countdown: Who is Rachel Riley’s replacement Anne-Marie Imafidon?
Who is Rachel Riley’s replacement Anne-Marie Imafidon? (Picture:Channel 4/Rex)
Countdown star Rachel Riley is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her second child but who is her replacement Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon?
Maths whizz Rachel has been at the helm of the Channel 4 show since 2009, taking over from Carol Vorderman.
But she’s now absent from our screens due to becoming a mum for the second time, to daughter Noa, who she shares with former Strictly pro dancer, Pasha Kovalev.
In the meantime, Dr Anne-Marie will be taking her place to provide all the letters and numbers for the contestants.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rachel’s stand-in.
Who is Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon?
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon will take keep Rachel’s spot filled (Picture: Channel 4)
31-year-old Anne-Marie is a mathematician and entrepreneur and was voted the Most Influential Woman in UK IT 2020.
She is CEO and Head Stemette of non-profit organisation Stemettes, which fociuses on helping people get into Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.
Dr Anne-Marie was involved in Channel 4’s Black To Front day (Picture: Channel 4)
Anne-Marie made history as the youngest ever graduate with a Masters degree, at the age of 19.
It’s not the first time she’s appeared on the show as she was doing the numbers on a special episode of Countdown for the broadcaster’s Black To Front day back in September, which was hosted by Trevor McDonald.
Writing on her own website beforehand, the presenter shared: ‘It’s finally time for you to see me serve as Arithmetician on the world’s longest-running game show, Countdown.
‘While Rachel Riley was off on maternity leave (Mazel Tov to Rachel and her growing family) I sat in her chair to bring my own form of wit, charm and warmth to the iconic letters and numbers board.
When will Rachel Riley return to Countdown?
Anne-Marie with Rachel Riley (Picture: Instagram/rachelrileyrr)
Anne-Marie started her interim role on Monday and will be joining the show for 60 episodes in total.
This means she should be on the programme for around three months, so Rachel should return on-screen sometime at the end of February or beginning of March.
It’s thought Rachel will be back filming in the New Year after she temporarily left the show in early October.
At the time, Rachel shared a post on her Instagram to mark her exit and shared a cute snap alongside Anne-Marie.
She commented: ‘Well that’s it from me, I’ve officially finished filming to pop a baby out!
‘You’re stuck with me on screen till December when the totally amazing @notyouraverageami will be keeping the numbers in line till I’m back next year!
‘Hope you have loads of fun Anne-Marie, best of luck lovely!
More: Channel 4
Anne-Marie tweeted her excitement about her new venture prior to her first episode on Monday afternoon, writing: ‘This is not a drill! The countdown to Countdown has gone into the hours.
‘Join me this afternoon and every weekday afternoon until March (excluding a small Christmas hiatus until 2 January 2022).’
Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Vernon Kay and Rochelle Humes fight back tears as children are reunited with army dads for Christmas
