Maths expert and TV presenter Rachel Riley is set to take a ‘short break’ from Countdown – with Dr. Tom Crawford stepping in as her replacement.
Rachel, 39, joined the afternoon puzzle show in 2009 and has worked under four different presenters since her first appearance 16 years ago.
However, the long-time co-presenter, who now hosts alongside Colin Murray and Susie Dent, will be taking some time off from the Channel 4 series.
It’s been reported that Rachel will be ‘working on another project’ while Dr. Tom fills in.
This marks the first big shake-up of the Countdown presenting team for three years, when Colin Murray took over from Anne Robinson in 2022.
Who’s the man set to be replacing Rachel in the Countdown studio?
Who is Dr Tom Crawford?
Dr Tom Crawford is well-known for his YouTube account Tom Rocks Maths, where he has more than 200,000 subscribers, with some of his videos clocking up millions of views.
His accessible YouTube videos feature him making ‘elite mathematics teaching available to everyone’ and also advise people on the best ways to pass maths exams.
Dr Tom is also a lecturer in Applied Mathematics at Cambridge’s Robinson College after graduating from Oxford University, and, according to his official website, has 15 maths-themed tattoos.
To prepare for his stint on Countdown, which is set to last until the end of March, he spent time alongside Rachel Riley in the studio, learning the ropes.
He began filming his episodes in December 2024 will be seen on screens alongside the show’s lexicographer, Susie Dent, and host, Colin Murray.
For his first-ever episode, Dr Tom will be joined by none other than Sir Stephen Fry in Dictionary Corner, while Jenny Powell and radio presenter Vick Hope will also appear as guests while he’s on the show.
Dr Tom teased fans last week that he had a ‘ridiculous’ announcement to make, indicating that a big career opportunity had come along for him.
He then posted a selfie with Rachel from the Countdown studio, saying: ‘Countdown! Still can’t believe this happened, but you will now be able to watch me attempting to do maths live on television for the next three weeks.’
Dr Tom’s first episode will be broadcast at 2.10pm on Channel 4 on today.
Why is Rachel Riley not on Countdown?
Rachel will be missing from the Countdowns studio for the next three weeks.
Not much is known about the project Rachel will be missing Countdown for, but it will be taking up space in her calendar until the end of March 2025.
Speaking about Dr Tom on social media, Rachel said: ‘Best of luck to Dr Tom for the next few weeks on Countdown!’
She continued: ‘Dr Tom will be keeping my numbers warm from Monday for the next three weeks whilst I’m away. I had a good excuse, I’ll tell you more soon.
‘We’re both Oxford maths geeks and ambassadors for National Numeracy, so you’ll barely notice the difference. Have fun Tom, and all our lovely viewers, have fun watching!’
Countdown on Channel 4 airs weekdays at 2.10pm.
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