EXCLUSIVE: Countdown star Rachel Riley shared her thoughts on leaving the Channel 4 show just days before it was announced she will be replaced temporarily.

Rachel Riley has been a part of the Countdown team since 2009 (Image: CHANNEL4)

Rachel Riley has a stern warning for producers should they ever want her to leave Countdown.

The 39-year-old is currently on a short break from the show she’s been a part of since 2009, to work on another project.

Stepping into her shoes for the time being will be Oxford and Cambridge university mathematician and YouTuber Dr Tom Crawford.

Speaking to Reach PLC, Rachel said while working on Countdown and being a mum-of-two is a “weird juggle”, she hopes to stay put for as long as possible.

Rachel Riley will be replaced by YouTuber and mathematician Dr Tom Crawford for three weeks (Image: INSTAGRAM/RACHELRILEY)

Should there be such talk of her and lexicographer Susie Dent leaving, she said: “We’ve never had to talk about it,” before humorously warning: “I think you’d have to prize us both out of our chairs.”

Rachel, who is supporting Bupa’s Knowledge Is Power campaign, was just 22 when she joined the show as Carol Vorderman’s replacement, while Susie, 60, has been a firm fixture since the beginning.

Since joining the Channel 4 show, the mathematician has worked alongside Susie and four hosts; Jeff Stelling, Nick Hewer, Anne Robinson and most recently Colin Murray.

Discussing the changes to the presenting line-up, she added: “We’re on our fourth permanent host that I’ve hosted with, obviously Susie has had another three, so yeah it’s fun and viewing figures are still really high.

“And Colin has kind of brought a new lease of life to it, it’s fun, I love it. I’m a numbers geek and I just love the puzzles.”

Dr Tom, who is good friends with Rachel, will be stepping into her shoes for the next three weeks.

Sharing her support, she said in a statement: “Countdown viewers are in great hands with Tom, who is a brilliant Mathematician and a lovely guys.

“He’s also used to people commenting on the clothes he wears (or lack of them) on his show so I am sure he will take to the role like a duck to water.”

Over on his Instagram page, Dr Tom said he “can’t believe” he’s been chosen for the gig.

“You will now be able to watch me attempting to do maths live on television for the next 3 weeks, starting Monday at 2:10pm on @channel4,” he wrote.

“@rachelrileyrr – and her unparalleled arithmetic skills – are irreplaceable, but with @mrcolinmurray and @susiedent by my side, we’ll do our very best to keep you entertained for the next few weeks. Long live daytime television!! #tomrocksmaths #countdown #rachelriley.”