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TV ICON Rachel Riley, has confessed she’s found it difficult to get close to new Countdown presenter Anne Robinson, who took over from Nick Hewer earlier this year.

The revelation comes as rumours of a feud between the former The Weakest Link host, maths whizz Rachel and lexicographer Susie Dent swirl. 

Countdown's Rachel Riley has explained why she has struggled to bond with new host Anne Robinson amid rumours of a feud
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Countdown's Rachel Riley has explained why she has struggled to bond with new host Anne Robinson amid rumours of a feudCredit: INSTAGRAM/RACHEL RILEY

Nick left the popular Channel 4 show after a tenure of nearly ten years, leaving no-nonsense Anne, 77, to pick up the mantle. 

And it hasn’t been a case of happy families since she did, with numbers girl Rachel struggling to get used to a new face at the helm. 

The Oxford graduate explained that her time on the programme had been “completely different” thanks to Anne stepping into the role during the pandemic. 

Speaking to Press Association, she said: “We used to all be in the same room together, but because of coronavirus everyone’s off separately having their make-up done, so we don’t see each other as much”.

“We’ve not really done much team bonding”, added the 35-year-old, going on to make it clear Nick had been a different kettle of fish. 

“Obviously, we had 10 years with Nick, and we really knew each other. She is a completely different character”, admitted Rachel. 

It was recently reported that there’s tension between Rachel, Susie and Anne, dubbed “Queen Anne” owing to her “rather grand ways”. 

Some have put the sour atmosphere down to a quarrel between young and old. 

An insider said that it was definitely a case of “two camps”, with Rachel and Susie in one and Anne in the other. 

They added: “Rachel and Susie don’t care much for Anne and her rather grand ways and things have become pretty uncomfortable”. 

Anne has been more than a little vocal about her disdain towards the youth of today, believing they’re too "woke";. 

The outspoken telly personality has previously revealed she can’t stand “snowflakes” who tell everybody what to do when they have no right to do so.

Rachel said the pandemic meant the team would get ready separately so haven't had time to get to know each other well
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Rachel said the pandemic meant the team would get ready separately so haven't had time to get to know each other wellCredit: instagram
Some are calling the feud a debate between young and old, and Anne has been outspoken about her disdain towards young people
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Some are calling the feud a debate between young and old, and Anne has been outspoken about her disdain towards young peopleCredit: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4
Lexicographer Susie is said to be on Rachel's side in the reported feud
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Lexicographer Susie is said to be on Rachel's side in the reported feudCredit: Getty
Anne Robinson and Rachel Riley discuss the value of ​a​ Pablo Picasso on Countdown

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