Rachel Riley Reveals the True Personalities of Countdown Co-Stars Jimmy Carr and Susie Dent

Rachel Riley, renowned mathematician and beloved presenter of Countdown, has given fans an intimate glimpse into the personalities of her co-stars beyond the cameras. Known for her sharp intellect on the long-running Channel 4 quiz show and its comedic spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Rachel has had the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of Britain’s most celebrated comedians.

In a heartfelt conversation on the Shoot Your Shot podcast, Rachel praised comedian Jimmy Carr as “one of the smartest people I know,” highlighting not only his wit but also his empathetic nature. She noted that recent podcasts have unveiled a more thoughtful side of Jimmy, often unnoticed on stage, where he is famed for his quick comebacks and ability to handle hecklers with ease.

“I love Jimmy,” Rachel remarked. “Seeing him in podcasts shows just how thoughtful he is. He’s incredibly smart and really empathetic. Comedy requires sharp thinking—not just to craft jokes but also to gauge when they’re appropriate.”

With over 200 episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown under her belt, Rachel reflected on the invaluable lessons she’s learned from working alongside top-notch comedians. She shared the rewarding experience of watching humor unfold live—both the triumphs and occasional misses—and how those moments contribute to the craft. “When jokes fall flat, sometimes that’s where you find the best humor,” she explained.

Rachel also spoke warmly about lexicographer Susie Dent, a staple of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner. The 61-year-old language expert, who also hails from the University of Oxford like Rachel, is admired for her authenticity and straightforward nature. Rachel revealed a playful nickname for Susie—“Boozy Suzy”—a humorously ironic moniker shared among the Countdown team.

“We once bought a metre-long hot water bottle together on a chilly trip,” Rachel recounted. “It’s the kind of quirky, genuine moment that makes Susie so endearing. Jimmy jokes that she’s both ‘the most boring woman on the planet’ and a ‘sex pest’ at the same time—just the kind of affectionate ribbing that fits the show’s tone.”

Fans can catch Rachel Riley on Countdown today, Friday, January 30, from 2:10 pm to 3:00 pm, and later on the comedic 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Channel 4.