University was a shock to the system. At times, I really thought I couldn't do it. It's the same with 'Strictly.' I'm completely out of my comfort zone.
— Rachel Riley
A review of maths teaching is a great thing, but it's a complex issue, and often the damage is done in the very early years of education.
I'm very excited to be joining the 'Gadget Show' family. I'm always keen to try out new gadgets, so it's going to be brilliant to be able to get my hands on the latest models and test them on behalf of the viewers.
I like to do things where you do learn something and go on a journey, such as 'Strictly Come Dancing.'
Being bad at maths shouldn't be something to brag about, and I'm glad people are waking up to this, but there's no reason be embarrassed to look for help when it comes to numeracy.
I only applied for 'Countdown' as a bit of a laugh while applying for lots of other graduate jobs. I've had some amazing opportunities, and I've loved every minute.
I would just like to learn to control my limbs.
I'm not into bags, so I don't pay a lot for them; I get them from H&M and Topshop.
I like being known for being good at maths and having a brain. If I've been asked to do something but it's not relevant to me, I don't do it. I'd feel a bit of an idiot just turning up in a dress.
People can underestimate you when you're blonde and from Essex, but it's easy to shut that down. I used to get dumb blonde jokes when I was 18, but when I replied that I was studying maths at Oxford, it usually shut them up.
When I see myself on screen, I don't even feel like it's me - it's like it's a completely different person.
Isolation among older people is a massive problem, and my grandad used to come round for Sunday lunch every week for as long as I can remember.
I never would've thought of going on 'Strictly,' I mean, I went on because it's my mum's favourite programme in the world.
I have loved 'Countdown' for years. I always used to watch it when I got home from school. To be actually on the programme is a big challenge.
As soon as I am out of my work clothes, I am in flat shoes, stretchy leggings, and a cashmere jumper; it's all low maintenance.
Russian is a really hard language - but I've got my own personal teacher. He's been really patient.
I have had a problem with food intolerance since I was eight.
I'm the sort of person who has to learn something properly before I show anyone.
Digital exclusion is a difficult issue for families across the whole of the U.K., including my own. I love seeing my nan, but with such a busy schedule and a long distance between us, I don't get to see her nearly as often as I would like.
When I was at uni, our whole college bar would gather around the quiz machine for a few games every night.
'I'm a Celebrity' is not my cup of tea whatsoever. I don't like the animal cruelty in it, to be honest.
The paso doble is my favourite dance on 'Strictly,' so I'm so pleased I get to do it.
I've been a fan of 'Countdown' for as long as I can remember, and this is a dream job.
I'm 5ft 7in tall and a size six to eight on top and eight to ten on the bottom. Consequently, I get a lot of my clothes altered to fit, as I am always between sizes.
Very fitted dresses look much better on TV, even though in reality they might be so tight that I can barely move in them.
I don't want girls to aspire to being famous for the sake of being famous.
Filming 'It's Not Rocket Science' has made me realise I'm missing the part of my brain that warns me about danger because - even though the tasks are terrifying - I find it really exciting.
I was on 'Strictly' because I was getting stage fright. I was taught that I had to imagine what a good outcome would be and be happy with it.
I'd happily describe myself as a TV presenter now.
I am the type of person who just gets on with whatever life throws at you. I have a 'do first, worry later' kind of attitude.
To get a job in TV is just amazing.
I am always running late for absolutely everything; my hair's the last thing I do because I am terrible at it.
I'm at my most fulfilled challenging myself with something that scares me.
I cycle, especially in warm weather. If I have a meeting in town, I would rather cycle than go by car.
In school productions, I was always villager No. 7. I was never at the front of the stage dancing and never had any lines.
The best thing about 'Strictly' is it doesn't matter what level you start at, if you've never put a foot in front of the other in your life.
For my 21st birthday party, I had a 'Strictly'-themed fancy dress.
There's no such thing as a 'maths brain.' Anyone can be numerate; it's just a matter of confidence. There are so many opportunities to improve your skills during everyday life, doing even a little a day can make maths feel more familiar and less scary.
Before 'Countdown,' I'd never even met anyone who was on TV.
I've had the 'Countdown' theme-tune as my mobile phone ringtone for years.
Winter is my favourite season for clothes because I'm happiest wearing knitted dresses, leggings, and Uggs.
If I find a dress I really like and it happens to be a bit short, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. The thing about going to Oxford is it does give you the confidence to be how you want to be.
I think the word 'celebrity' is stupid.
God, I don't think of myself as gorgeous at all!
I think you regret the things that you don't do more than the things you do.
I am aware of some of the things about me on the Internet - like people putting up pictures of me online every single day on something called Rachel Watch!
People have got their opinions, and you can't please everyone.
I use a stylist, which wasn't something I imagined I'd ever do, because I like shopping, but because we prerecord 'Countdown,' I don't want to wear something that everyone has from the high street by the time the programme goes out.
I am lucky because I often get my makeup done by professionals, and they always try new ideas; I'll attempt to vaguely recreate what they've done.
I take vitamin C and zinc every day to keep colds at bay. I also take calcium tablets to supplement my lack of dairy, and d-mannose, a cranberry extract thought to be good for women's health.
