Rachel Riley has seemingly reignited her feud with former Countdown host Anne Robinson by dismissing the 80-year-old's recent comments about the maths aficionado.
The 39-year-old mathematician took aim at Robinson after the veteran presenter recently admitted to telling Riley to "shut up" during their time working together on the Channel 4 quiz show.
The pair's rocky relationship has been the subject of speculation since Robinson's brief stint hosting Countdown from 2021 to 2022.
Speaking to the press at the Women's Football Awards earlier this week, Riley said: "If Anne needs to mention me for publicity, then good luck to her.
Rachel Riley has been a familiar face on Countdown for over a decade
CHANNEL 4
"I have the same opinion of her as most people do. I don't pay any attention to what she says."
The comments come after Robinson's recent interview with The Telegraph, where she discussed their working relationship.
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Anne Robinson presented Countdown from 2021 to 2022
PARiley has been Countdown's resident mathematician since 2009, when she joined the show at just 22 years old, replacing Carol Vorderman.
In her Telegraph interview, Robinson denied having a proper feud with Riley but admitted: "Rachel was a bit talkative when I was interviewing the contestants, but once we shut her up, it was fine."
This comment appears to confirm earlier reports of tension between the pair during Robinson's time on the show.
It was previously claimed that Riley had considered "walking away" from Countdown due to rising tensions with Robinson.
The situation allegedly created an "awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere" on the set.
While the pair were initially complementary of each other, Riley later admitted she hadn't "done much bonding" with Robinson, who had replaced Nick Hewer as host.
Robinson had also called out Riley for "distracting" her by talking in the background during contestant interviews.
After Robinson left the show, Riley appeared to acknowledge the tension when she said the presenter "might make you cry."
Rachel Riley took over from Carol Vorderman on Countdown
PAShe later remarked that the atmosphere changed and became "more fun" once Robinson was replaced by Colin Murray.
Robinson's tenure on Countdown lasted just one year, with the presenter quitting in 2022 over what she later revealed was a pay dispute.
She became famous for her scathing remarks as host of BBC's The Weakest Link from 2000 to 2012, earning the nickname "Queen of Mean".
Robinson's controversial presenting style divided viewers, with some finding her jibes entertaining whilst others felt she went too far.
Anne Robinson left Countdown in 2022 over pay
CHANNEL 4
In a recent interview, Robinson admitted: "I loathe the woke terrorists who are sucking the life blood out of the country."
Despite the tension, Robinson has previously praised Riley's mathematical abilities, saying: "Susie Dent is great, Rachel Riley is completely brilliant at the maths."
When questioned by Piers Morgan about not getting on with Riley, Robinson responded: "No, I didn't not get on with her."
The feud rumours intensified when Riley shared a selfie on Instagram after Robinson's departure was announced. "Drinking a toast to the next chapter in Countdown history. I think you're going to like it," she captioned the image.
