Rachel Riley is a TV Presenter and Personality best known for her role as the resident maths-wizard and co-presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown and its hilarious spin-off, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.Rachel Annabelle Riley was born in 1986 in Essex. (Go Team Essex!!!). She identifies as Jewish through her mother, as well as being a massive Manchester United fan through her father, who is originally from Salford. Growing up in Southend-On-Sea, Rachel obtained four As at A-Level, and went on to study mathematics in Oriel College, at Oxford University. After attempting a career in the financial sector, Rachel found trader behaviour wearing, as well disliking the commute each morning... but she was in luck, as her television debut would start in 2009, when at the age of 22 she was hired to replace Carol Vorderman as the resident maths guru on Channel 4’s Countdown. Despite having received no training for working in television, and no prior experience within the media industry, Rachel has gone on to become a household name. She has carved out an incredible tv career,co-presenting 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Gadget Show, It’s Not Rocket Science and appearing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where she would meet her future husband, professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, who celebrated their first wedding anniversary just yesterday! Mazel Tov!Since 2018, Rachel has campaigned against the way the Labour Party has handled allegations of antisemitism. She has used her platform to combat against a growing rise in anti-Semitism in the UK, especially online, joining up with Tracy Ann Oberman, a previous JLGB Virtual guest, to file a lawsuit against 70 prominent antisemitic trolls. Through this gruelling experience she has become a close supporter of the Jewish community, including JLGB, where Rachel has appeared at manycommunal events that remind her of the many great positives of our community.

Rachel and Pasha brought the beautiful baby, Maven Aria, into the world just 6 months ago, and I would imagine that raising a newborn in lockdown cannot be easy, so we are especially grateful she has found the time to join us this evening, It’s actually just before Maven’s bath time at 7.30pm -so I’d better getter a move on!!!Therefore, Ladies and Gentleman, without further a do, please welcome tonight’s very special, and most nominated JLGB Virtual guest ever –Rachel Riley!