Rachel Riley: A Journey Through Life’s Transformations
Born in the vibrant county of Essex in 1986, Rachel Riley distinguished herself academically by achieving four As at A-Level while attending Southend School for Girls. She further pursued her passion for mathematics, obtaining a Master’s degree from the prestigious Oxford University. After a brief stint as an intern at Deutsche Bank, she decided to take a leap of faith and accepted the role of Carol Vorderman’s successor on Channel 4’s beloved show, Countdown, in 2009. Since 2012, she has also graced the screen in the comedic spin-off, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
In 2013, Rachel took on a new challenge as a contestant on the popular dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, where she partnered with the talented professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Their connection blossomed into romance, and the couple tied the knot in 2019. They currently reside in London with their two adorable daughters, Maven, aged five, and Noa, who is three. Reflecting on her journey, Rachel shares the pivotal moments that have reshaped her views on work, love, family, finances, and health.
A close friend’s sudden passing was a pivotal moment for me.
In my twenties, I experienced the shock of losing a remarkably fit friend, an instructor in his thirties, who tragically died from an undiagnosed heart condition. It was a stark reminder that we don’t have absolute control over our health; thus, any proactive measures we can take are worthwhile. Having children has made me acutely aware of my own mortality—it’s not just about me anymore. In youth, we often feel invincible and take so much for granted. Now, I find myself taking far fewer risks.
I realize I need to prioritize exercise.
While running after two energetic toddlers has provided me with a baseline level of fitness, I recognize the need to focus on building muscle mass. Unfortunately, my grip strength—an important indicator of overall strength—is quite poor. Unlike Susie Dent, who is renowned for her arm-wrestling abilities, I’ve come to terms with my limitations.
My first experience of labor felt like my insides were being put through a meat grinder.
The initial plan was to have a natural birth with Maven. However, she arrived so quickly that we ended up having a home birth, which was far from what I had envisioned. I vividly remember pleading with Pasha, “Tell them to just get her out. I just want it out!” The experience of childbirth completely transformed my perception of pain. Now, even when I stub my toe, I remind myself, “This too shall pass.”
I briefly ventured into the finance world, but it was not my calling.
During a summer internship at Deutsche Bank on the proprietary trading desk, I realized I wasn’t contributing meaningfully to anything. I felt disconnected from building something substantial. Fortunately, I landed the role on Countdown immediately after finishing university, which was serendipitous.
Becoming the next Carol Vorderman was never part of my plan.
I hadn’t set my sights on her career trajectory while at university. It was a serendipitous moment when I had just completed my Master’s, and they were looking for a successor. I applied without any expectations, thinking it would be a fun story to tell, but I never anticipated this path would become my career. I regarded television as something separate from the “real world,” not something tangible.
Life Lessons and Realizations
Just before landing the Countdown job, I was contemplating a Master’s in concrete.
Earlier in life, I had done some work experience at an architectural firm, which involved figuring out drainage systems. This experience sparked my interest in civil engineering or something related to the built environment, where I could apply my mathematical skills. Give me some Lego or magnetic blocks, and I feel in my element!
Witnessing a friend endure domestic violence opened my eyes.
This experience made me profoundly grateful for my home and the sanctuary it represents, as well as for Pasha, who provides unwavering support. My friend has bravely transformed her situation, but the journey has been harrowing. This has fueled my commitment to advocate for domestic abuse charities, as I was so moved by her experience. I feel fortunate to have a nurturing home and to model a healthy relationship for our children. Pasha and I share a strong partnership, built on mutual respect and understanding.
Pasha is my rock; I consider myself incredibly fortunate.
We respect one another, find each other fascinating, and share plenty of laughter. Our diverse backgrounds offer us unique perspectives, enriching our conversations. We challenge each other, and our willingness to discuss differing viewpoints fosters growth in our relationship.
Pasha and I have learned the art of healthy disagreement.
Mathematician Hannah Fry’s book, The Maths of Love, highlights the importance of how well couples argue. If you can navigate minor disagreements, you’re more likely to tackle significant issues effectively.
In parenting, I often attempt to be the disciplinarian, but I struggle.
We both tend to be soft-hearted. Our daughters are polar opposites; our five-year-old is sensitive and easily upset if she senses she’s done something wrong, while our three-year-old is bold and daring, often testing boundaries. Each child requires a distinct approach, and we’ve rarely had to discipline the older one, whereas the younger one frequently needs time-outs.
Hosting Ukrainian refugees has felt like expanding our family.
This arrangement also enables Pasha and me to occasionally sneak away for some couple time, with built-in babysitters, although it’s not a frequent occurrence.
The stress of participating in Strictly Come Dancing left me with PTSD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been instrumental in my recovery. It helped me rewire how my brain processes information, allowing me to focus on resilience rather than the stress of challenging situations. Before CBT, I hadn’t recognized my perfectionistic tendencies. A psychologist named Michael Carthy taught me that not everything needs to be flawless. Many of my school friends share the same mindset; we tend to criticize our missteps while downplaying our successes. Michael encouraged me to set realistic goals and to celebrate achievements, which has helped me let go of negativity. Embracing discomfort and stepping outside my comfort zone have become important lessons for me.
Initially, my salary on Countdown was modest.
However, I have gradually built my career over time. I am proud to say that I am nearing the end of my mortgage payments. This accomplishment grounds me, reminding me of our fortunate position. Occasionally, enticing offers come my way, but I often decline to consider the financial aspect, focusing instead on what feels right for me at this moment. However, with impending larger mortgage demands, I remain open to opportunities—though not the kind that resemble an Indecent Proposal.
New research from Bupa Health Clinics has revealed a significant gap in health knowledge among the population. In response, Bupa has launched its “Knowledge is Power” campaign, urging individuals to take charge of their health. Rachel Riley, mathematician and TV presenter, embarks on her journey to become more informed about her health and to understand her personal health metrics.
