Countdown’s Rachel Riley reveals show bosses ask contestants to swap out mucky words for alternatives

SAUCY words pop up so often on Countdown that bosses had to devise a tricky tactic to prevent turning the airwaves blue.

But the show’s maths genius Rachel Riley  who has said there is “an underlying level of filth” to the show, has revealed that even this came a cropper.

4

During one yet-to-be-screened episode there were only mucky words available using the letters on the cards. Rachel said: “Often if a word is too rude you substitute in another word so that it works.

"If it’s too rude for telly they’ll say ‘can you say this word instead?’ so the points still work out.

"But we had one where the two contestants got ‘shagged' and ‘shagger’ and the only other seven-letter word found in dictionary corner was ‘doggers’.

"That’s the fun of it — it’s for kids and adults.”

4

Speaking at the launch of LG’s latest OLED TV, Rachel says her mum has had to get used to seeing her standing in front of profane words.

"But added: “She brought me up in Essex, she’s made me an Essex girl . . . what does she expect?”

There has been a long line of belters since Rachel joined the quiz show in 2009, including the one pictured.

When Rachel’s Strictly dancer boyfriend Pasha Kovalev was a guest in dictionary corner, he came up with ‘bumhole’. Not a bad seven-pointer.

Check Jen out

THERE should be a blanket ban on celebs wearing, er, picnic blankets. Jenna Coleman might also have been wearing her shades on a trip to Los Angeles – but she hasn’t nailed the celebrity in disguise look.

4

The Victoria star was never going to stay under the radar in this wraparound dress. You wouldn’t want a row about it though, I’ve seen boots like that in footie hooligan films.

I wonder who she’s on the phone to? Perhaps she’s interviewing for a new stylist.

Skelton puts her foot in it

COUNTRYFILE presenter Helen Skelton says she is no longer welcome on BBC Breakfast after being too laid back on her last appearance.

4

Towards the end of her five years hosting Blue Peter she landed the job presenting Breakfast’s coverage of the 2012 London Olympics.  But it all went wrong when bosses demanded a word.

Helen said: “I was called in by the powers that be and told ‘we’ve got a problem, we’re a bit concerned you’re too relaxed’. Apparently, I was so relaxed on TV I’d flicked my shoes off and put my feet underneath me on the couch – well, obviously, you don’t do that on BBC Breakfast.

“Interestingly, you don’t see me on that couch any more as I never have my shoes on.”

Try Good Morning Britain, Helen. See how the Beeb like that.

MOST READ IN BIZARRE

REAL-LIFE SNATCH

Guy Ritchie's TV set robbed by daring thieves who stole equipment

GOING WALL OUT

Miley Cyrus goes braless in see through outfit as she teases her new album

HERE & NOW

Steps bring fans to tears with new musical with shock storyline on opening night

DJ DIVIDE

Scott Mills' Radio 2 breakfast show pay revealed & it's MUCH less than Zoe Ball

soapbox

In Emmerdale Leyla suspects a deception, Jacob is consumed by jealousy and Bob struggles to stay afloat.

In Coronation Street Ali’s erratic behaviour starts to arouse Ryan’s suspicions and Nick refuses to give in to Carla’s threats. Gina’s blind date turns nasty.

In Eastenders Tina, Whitney and Halfway beg Linda to see through Stuart’s lies but she stands her ground.

Kat contacts Alfie in Spain, desperate for him to let her see the children and Ruby tries to move forward, though it proves difficult when her liaison officer arrives with an update on the case.