Countdown’s Rachel Riley gives worrying update on Channel 4 show return
Countdown is one of the longest running British TV shows still on our screens, but the popular daytime quiz show has, like Amy, had to take a leave of absence amid the coronavirus outbreak. As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc all over the world, many TV productions have been forced to halt filming in the interest the cast and crew’s safety.
Nick is in the protected age category, so we won’t be rushing back — safety remains paramount
Countdown falls into that category, as Channel 4 had to pump the breaks just as they started filming the new series.
Speaking to Radio Times, mathematics whizz Rachel Riley provided fans with an update on the future of the program.
“We’re playing it by ear,” she admitted to the publication.
“Nick is in the protected age category, so we won’t be rushing back — safety remains paramount.
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She revealed: “So Channel 4 will be reshowing some Champion of Champions episodes that haven’t been aired for a few years instead.”
But there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Speaking to Mirror Online, Rachel and the show’s host Nick Hewer dished Channel 4 bosses have a date in mind when Countdown can resume production.
“There is a provisional date for July,” she said.
“When we go back we won’t have any audience unfortunately. But like the rest of the country, we are just going to play it by ear.”
“When we are in the studio we should be able to be socially distance as there is the space. The space in the studio is OK, we can mic ourselves up.”
Even though Nick’s safety is of manic concern, the host revealed he couldn’t wait to get back to work.
“I will go back happily to the studio if not cautiously, I will keep my distance. But nothing will stop Countdown,” he said.
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“You can trust over-70s to be responsible, they know their vulnerability.”
The 76-year-old will be, like many, has been in strict quarantine as they are deemed “clinically vulnerable” to contracting the deadly virus.
The BBC reported there are about nine million people over 70 in the UK, which is about 14 percent of the population.
In the ONS figures up to 24 April, 81.5 percent of the deaths in England and Wales which were coronavirus related, were people aged over 70.
Rachel Riley’s full interview is available to read now [RADIO TIMES]
But it seems there could be hope for he new series to return swiftly, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement last Sunday.
With his three-step plan outlining how the UK can move forward, it seems many productions could get the go-ahead to resume filming if they can do so safely and still implement social distancing.
The new series of Countdown may come sooner than we think!
Rachel’s full interview is available to read now in Radio Times.
Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm.
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