Rachel Riley looked the picture of happiness as she stepped out with her husband Pasha Kovalev on Thursday night.MORE: Rachel Riley raises eyebrows with latest tweet after Anne Robinson's Countdown exitThe couple, who are parents to two young daughters, were among the special guests at the Tusk Ball which took place at Hintze Hall, in the Natural History Museum and was held in honour to raise money for the wildlife and people of Africa.WATCH: Rachel Riley gushes about being a mum-of-twoDressed in the colours of Ukraine's national flag, Rachel happily stopped and posed for photos with her Strictly Come Dancing star husband, who looked suave in an all-black tux.Exclusive: Rachel Riley talks family life with Pasha KovalevREAD: Rachel Riley reflects on heartache of suffering a miscarriage last yearThey were joined by the likes of royal supporters Zara Tindall and her brother Peter Phillips, as well as celebrities such as Deborah Meaden and Jack Savoretti, many of whom are long-term supporters of the charity.Rachel's sighting comes after she made headlines for commenting on her relationship with former Countdown colleague Anne Robinson and for suggesting Strictly is "fixed". Rachel and Pasha at the Tusk Ball on ThursdayEarlier this month, it was announced that Colin Murray would be stepping in as Anne's temporary replacement as Countdown host.
Anne Robinson is all smiles as she's seen for first time since quitting Countdown
05.05.2022 - 12:35 / ok.co.uk
Anne Robinson has seen out and about near for the first time since she quit Countdown. Anne, 77, was wearing a jean jacket and red and white shawl as she ran errands near the BBC Broadcasting House just days after stepping down as the host of the Channel 4 quiz show.The former The Weakest Link presenter was in the role for a year, having joined the popular daytime show in 2021. Anne became the first woman to take on the main presenting job, and sixth person in total, as she recorded 265 episodes.
She'll appear in shows until the summer. After leaving Countdown, Anne said it was time for a change, telling fans: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show and I stayed longer than I signed up for. “Now it is time for an older woman to take the reigns” Anne took over the role from Nick Hewer and said she hopes her sting helped TV bosses realise that not all women her age are “in care homes playing bingo.” Anne added: "In fact the genius of Countdown is that it's a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised.
I run 5km most days of the week. "And I can now do an anagram at twice the speed I could this time last year. "But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention." A show spokesperson said: "Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic show." Anne, a former journalist, first appeared on Countdown alongside mathematician Rachel Riley and lexicographer Susie Dent on June 28 2011.
Playing down any reports of a rift between the two and Anne, Susie wished her the best as she looks for a new challenge. Susie tweeted: “Some Countdown news. Wishing Anne all the very best in her new adventures with her grandchildren and beyond.” Rachel posted a more cryptic message on
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Carol Vorderman hints at Countdown return as replacing Anne Robinson would be an 'honour'
Carol Vorderman has broken her silence after Anne Robinson's Countdown exit, saying it would be an "honour" to host the show. Carol co-hosted the show with Richard Whitely for 26 years before he sadly died in 2005 and she left in 2008. And it's now been claimed that bosses are desperate for Carol to return and replace Anne.