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 quits Countdown after one year to spend more time with grandkids
03.05.2022 - 00:33 / ok.co.uk
Anne Robinson has quit Countdown after one year of hosting the iconic Channel 4 show. The presenter, 77, issued a statement on Monday (2 May) where she revealed that she had "stayed longer than I signed up for" and that she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren. Anne, who has recorded 265 episodes of the show, joined Countdown in 2021 and took over presenting duties from Nick Hewer who quit in 2020 after nearly ten years of hosting.
Issuing a statement about her exit, obtained by the Mirror, Anne said: "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 reins.
"I hope too I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks. "In fact the genius of Countdown is that it’s a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5k 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." According to reports, Anne will appear on Countdown until the summer and a new host will be announced in due course. A show spokesperson told the Mirror: "Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic show." OK! has contacted both Channel 4 and Anne's representative for further comment.
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Anne Robinson is all smiles as she's seen for first time since quitting Countdown
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.