It’s been a hectic year for Rachel Riley. As well as co-presenting Countdown throughout the lockdowns as the show’s resident numbers expert and appearing on its comedy spin-off, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, she has been writing her first book – a back-to-basics maths guide for adults called At Sixes And Sevens.
Rachel has also been juggling her demanding work schedule with bringing up 23-month-old daughter Maven. And there’s more exciting news because Rachel is expanding her brood.
The 35-year-old says she couldn’t do all of the things she does without the unfailing support of her husband and former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Pasha Kovalev. “He’s such a good egg,” she says. “He was a huge support when I was heavily pregnant. He picked up the slack, did it with a smile and looked after me when I needed a rest. There’s no one like him.”
But while her life seems idyllic on the outside, she reveals that she has faced some dark times and unexpected challenges in recent years.
Here, Rachel – who spoke to OK! before giving birth and was due imminently at the time of us going to press–chats about becoming a mum for the second time, her work life and why she’s definitely not watching Strictly...
Hi, Rachel! Congratulations on baby number two...
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
