Countdown's new hosts Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley have pulled in thousands of extra viewers. Channel 4 bosses are delighted that ratings have soared by 11 per cent since maths whizz Rachel and football pundit Jeff took the helm of the long-running quiz, according to the Daily Mirror. In the opening days of their show the duo managed to attract an audience of 1.3 million and have managed a steady 1.1 million since - figures that easily outstrip those of 2008. A spokesman for Channel 4 said: "We are delighted. Jeff and Rachel make a fantastic team." Rachel, 23, beat more than 1,000 applicants to be selected as Carol Vorderman's replacement, who left the show after 26 years following an alleged row over pay. A source told the Mirror: "In Rachel's first batch of filming she was a little nervous and camera-shy. But she has improved massively and has more confidence now so I am sure she will help to attract many more male viewers to the show. "She is beautiful and has the maths brains needed, so she is a big factor in the show's new success. Jeff also seems to be helping get new viewers - possibly football fans." Get exclusive access to your favourite stars. Subscribe to TV Times magazine
