Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Countdown viewers left in hysterics after Rachel Riley celebrates 3000 episodes with spelling accident

‘Poo anally’ is the latest spelling coincidence to hit the daytime show

Annabel Nugent
Saturday 21 August 2021 13:38 BST
Comments
Countdown letters spell out ‘poo anally’ on Rachel Riley’s 3000th episode

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Countdown star Rachel Riley commemorated her 3000-episode anniversary on the show with a hilarious spelling accident.

The presenter celebrated the milestone on Friday’s episode (20 August) of the long-running game show, during which a chance collection of letters spelt the words “poo anally”.

Riley was seen attempting to suppress her laughter as the two words were displayed on the board behind her.

Fans of the series took to social media to laugh at the opportune moment.

One user shared a photo of Riley standing next to the board, accompanied by the caption: “What a way to commemorate 3000 shows eh.”

The mathematician responded to the tweet, joking: “Is there any other way?!”

Last month, viewers were left in hysterics after the word “megab****” was revealed as a point-scoring word on the game show.

Riley joined Countdown aged 22 in 2009, replacing mathematician Carol Vorderman.

The 35-year-old currently presents alongside wordsmith Suzie Dent and newcomer Anne Robinson, who joined the programme in June.

The former Weakest Link presenter took over hosting duties from Nick Hewer.

Robinson is the first female host of Channel 4’s longest running series.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in