Most people think they know Rachel Riley. She’s the lady who solves those impossible number puzzles on Channel 4 while wearing a floral dress. Or maybe you know her as the one who survived the "Strictly curse" only to marry her dance partner. But honestly, there’s a lot more to the Rachel Riley from Countdown story than just mental arithmetic and bright studio lights.
It’s been over fifteen years since she first stepped onto that set. Back in 2009, she was just a 22-year-old math graduate from Oxford who had never even been on TV. Now? She’s a household name, an MBE recipient, and a woman who has spent the last few years navigating everything from nasty social media feuds to a very public fight against antisemitism.
That "Coolest Maths Job" in the World
Let’s be real for a second. When Carol Vorderman left Countdown after 26 years, everyone thought the show was basically over. How do you replace a legend? Channel 4 went looking for a needle in a haystack and found Riley. She beat out a staggering 1,000 other applicants.
She once called it "the only cool maths job around," and she wasn't lying. While her predecessors were often seen as a bit more formal, Riley brought a certain relatability to the numbers board. She’s the girl-next-door who happens to have an applied math degree from Oriel College. She makes $752 + (75 \times 3)$ look like a grocery list.
But it wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, she faced a lot of "perfectionism" pressure. She’s admitted in recent interviews that she used to obsess over tiny mistakes. It took a while—and some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy—to realize that messing up a calculation isn't the end of the world. That’s probably why viewers like her; she’s human. She giggles at the accidental rude words in the letters round just like we do at home.
The Strictly Shake-up and Finding a "Sanctuary"
Everyone remembers her 2013 stint on Strictly Come Dancing. She didn't win—she actually came in fifth from the bottom—but the show changed her life in a massive way.
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At the time, her marriage to her first husband, Jamie Gilbert, was falling apart. She’s been quite open about the fact that the intense filming schedule and the "emotional distance" eventually led to their divorce. It wasn’t long after that she started dating her dance partner, Pasha Kovalev.
Fast forward to today, and they’ve built a life that sounds surprisingly grounded for two celebrities. They have two daughters, Maven and Noa. Riley often describes Pasha as her "sanctuary." It’s a strong word, but it makes sense when you consider how much noise surrounds her public life.
She recently mentioned that they are "done" having kids, focusing instead on raising their girls. In fact, the kids are already in ballet classes. Pasha jokes that being her husband was "part of her Strictly contract," which is the kind of self-deprecating humor that keeps them in the public’s good graces.
Why She’s Taking a Break in 2026
You might have noticed she hasn't been on the screen as much lately. In early 2025, it was announced that she’d be taking a short hiatus from the show.
Her replacement, Dr. Tom Crawford (the guy from the "Tom Rocks Maths" YouTube channel), stepped in to handle the letters and numbers for a bit. Why? Riley had a massive project on her plate. Between her advocacy work and some behind-the-scenes TV development, she needed the breathing room.
She’s also been dealing with the "Freedom of the City of London" ceremonies. Just last year, she received that honor for her work in Holocaust education and campaigning against antisemitism. It’s a long way from just being "the math lady." She has used her platform to speak at the Houses of Parliament and work with the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
It’s controversial for some, sure. She’s been in the middle of some intense political crossfire. But whether you agree with her or not, you have to admit she isn’t afraid of a fight.
Beyond the Numbers Board
If you think she just sits around doing algebra, you've missed her other ventures.
- The Gadget Show: She spent a year co-presenting this on Channel 5.
- Friday Night Football: She teamed up with Jeff Stelling for a season on Sky Sports.
- 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: This is where she really lets loose with Jimmy Carr and the gang.
- Philanthropy: She’s heavily involved with Grassroot Soccer and Riley’s Way, focusing on youth leadership and health.
Recently, she’s been leaning more into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) world. She wants more girls to see that being good at math doesn't mean you have to be a "nerd" in the traditional sense. Her book, At Sixes and Sevens, was actually a response to parents who felt totally lost trying to homeschool their kids during the lockdowns.
What’s Next for Rachel Riley?
So, where does she go from here? She’s 39 now, and the landscape of British TV is shifting. While she’s back on the Countdown set after her break, she’s clearly diversifying.
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Her recent appearance on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters (yes, that’s a real title) shows she’s still down for a bit of reality TV madness. But her real focus seems to be legacy. She’s moved past the point of just wanting to be "famous" and is clearly aiming for "impactful."
If you’re looking to follow her lead or brush up on your own skills, there are a few things you can actually do:
Check out the National Numeracy initiatives she supports. It’s basically a way for adults to stop being scared of numbers. Most of us have some level of "math anxiety," and Riley’s whole brand is about breaking that down.
Keep an eye on the 8 Out of 10 Cats specials. They are often filmed in blocks, and they show a side of her that's much more unfiltered than the 2:10 PM daytime slot.
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Read her book if you’ve got kids struggling with homework. It’s written in plain English, which is a relief for those of us who haven't looked at a long division problem since 2004.
Rachel Riley isn't just a face on a screen; she's a math-loving, outspoken, slightly chaotic, and very determined woman who has managed to stay relevant in a brutal industry. She’s proved that you can be the smartest person in the room and still have the most fun.