TV PRESENTER Rachel Riley has announced she will be taking a short break from Countdown.
The show’s co-presenter, 39, has been temporarily replaced by YouTuber Dr Tom Crawford – here’s what we know about him.
Who is Dr Tom Crawford?
Dr Tom Crawford is a YouTuber and maths expert who boasts more than 200,000 subscribers on his channel as of February 2025.
The whizz also lectures Applied Mathematics at Cambridge’s Robinson College.
His comprehensive videos where he prides himself on making ‘elite mathematics teaching available to everyone’ have clocked up millions of views on social media.
Dr Tom is currently deputising for Rachel Riley until the end of March 2025 and will feature alongside host Colin Murray as well as lexicographer and dictionary corner star, Susie Dent.
To prepare for his stint on Countdown, he spent time shadowing Rachel in the studio.
He first appeared on our screens on Monday, February 24, 2025
Speaking about joining the show, he said: “COUNTDOWN. Still can’t believe this happened, but 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 Channel 4.
“Rachel Riley – and her unparalleled arithmetic skills – are irreplaceable, but with Colin Murray and Susie Dent by my side, we’ll do our very best to keep you entertained for the next few weeks.
“Long live daytime television!!”
Who is Rachel Riley?
Rachel Riley is a television presenter.
The broadcaster obtained a second-class degree in applied maths at Oriel College, Oxford.
She currently co-presents the Channel 4 daytime puzzle show Countdown and its comedy spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Rachel joined the former in 2009, having taken over from Carol Vorderman who departed in 2008.
She also featured on a contestant on the BBC celebrity dance show Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.
There, she was partnered with her future husband Pasha Kovalev.
The couple married in June 2019 and have two daughters together.
Discussing Tom, Rachel told Metro: “Countdown viewers are in great hands with Tom, who is a brilliant Mathematician and a lovely guy.
“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.”
Dr Tom added: “All of my work online is about sharing my love of Maths with the world whilst trying to make it accessible for everyone.
“Countdown has been doing that for a generation, so it really is a dream come true to be joining this iconic show to cover Rachel.
“I may even have to get another tattoo to commemorate the event.”
