Anne Robinson has unequivocally praised Countdown co-star Rachel Riley following weeks of speculation that the pair are clashing behind-the-scenes of the iconic game show.
Tensions are said to have flared between 77-year-old Anne and 35-year-old Rachel after the former took over as the host of the show back in June.
Reports suggested things reached boiling point when Anne allegedly ordered that Rachel’s microphone be turned off ass he didn’t want to hear her interacting with contestants between scenes.
While dictionary corner star Susie Dent, 57, is said to have been lumped in an awkward position as she’s had a ring-side view of the alleged catty behaviour.
Now the MailOnline reports that Anne opened up to Rachel Johnson – who grilled her about the backstage bust ups.
Far from throwing Rachel – or Susie – under the bus, Anne praised her co-star for her impressive mathematical skills.
Anne said: “They're brilliant - both of them actually. Every time I'm astonished how she [Rachel] does that adding up and subtracting - just seconds, absolutely seconds, amazing.
“I hope I'm always described as difficult, awkward, tricky, impatient, menopausal, any sort of pejorative, grumpy.' When asked about bitchy, she said 'not particularly - hard to please.”
Rachel herself has opened up about the headlines surrounding the alleged fall-out.
She told Lorraine: “Anne's not the cuddliest person in the world, but it's just a different show now, she's making it her own.
“She's getting some stuff out of the contestants - sometimes it's barbed, sometimes it's funny, it's just got a different flavour.”
The ladies’ comments come after weeks of reports about frosty backstage action.
A show source previously told The Sun: "Anne also has tinnitus and cannot bear excess sound," they said. "Rachel, with her big heels and even bigger personality, can be quite loud on set. Rachel used to chat to contestants before every show, and Anne found it hugely distracting.
“She felt she couldn’t do her job properly, or bond with the contestants to help them to relax, before the cameras started rolling."
The show source also claimed that the "tension was palpable" but that "Anne finds the whole thing hilarious".
Meanwhile Rachel was rumoured to be poised to quit the show amid the allegations of her frosty fallout with ‘Queen of Mean’ Anne.
The maths genius was reportedly considering throwing in the towel just before she left the show to begin her maternity leave.
A source claimed earlier this month: “Rachel and Anne had clashed for some time and for Rachel, enough is enough. She has moaned about Anne a number of times and even said she would consider walking away from Countdown if the issues weren’t sorted.
“Rachel went on maternity leave last month and the break from the set couldn’t have come at a better time.
“She has really struggled with Anne and been backed by Susie, who has seen it all first hand and has similar gripes.”
