Rachel Riley

I was used to Essex boys growing up. Russian boys are a lot more gentlemanly and thoughtful. They will express their emotions a bit more.

I am lucky because I often get my makeup done by professionals, and they always try new ideas; I'll attempt to vaguely recreate what they've done.

I take vitamin C and zinc every day to keep colds at bay. I also take calcium tablets to supplement my lack of dairy, and d-mannose, a cranberry extract thought to be good for women's health.

I think we've come a long way with women's rights, but we've got a long way to go.

I'm really interested in male and female brains and whether female brains or male brains are better at maths.

Maths is like learning a language: you need to learn the basics to get going, but a lot of adults go into blind panic about numbers and switch off.

I've been a fan of 'Countdown' for as long as I can remember, and this is a dream job.

To get a job in TV is just amazing.

My parents supported me through university, and after I graduated, I got a job as an analyst at a price comparison website called TotallyMoney.com.

I have loved 'Countdown' for years. I always used to watch it when I got home from school. To be actually on the programme is a big challenge.

I like a challenge. I like doing things that scare me.

In TV, you get so many different opportunities, and especially, you get to try something different you don't get to do as a normal person, then great.