‘MAVEN ARRIVED SO QUICKLY THE MIDWIVES TOLD ME NOT TO BOTHER WITH HOSPITAL FOR BABY NUMBER TWO'

COUNTDOWN STAR RACHEL RILEY TALKS ABOUT PARENTHOOD JUGGLING HER BUSY SCHEDULE AND MAKING MATHS ACCESSIBLE

- ANGELA WINTLE

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...