COUNTDOWN presenter Anne Robinson is reportedly so “enraged” by her feud with Rachel Riley that she may quit the show.
The Celeb Report first revealed that Anne left maths whizz Rachel frustrated with her diva demands since stepping into former host Nick Hewer’s shoes in June this year.
And since then, we told how the Channel 4 host had muted Rachel’s microphone on set after tiring of hearing her talking to contestants.
According to The Daily Mail, an insider believes Anne will leave early next year when she finishes filming her second lot of episodes.
The insider told the publication: “They will have to fix the issue”.
However, another source insisted that Channel 4 has just offered a new contract to the 77-year-old, “which she signed four days ago”.
Last night, The Celeb Report reported that Rachel warned she would quit Countdown if host Anne wasn’t pulled up for her behaviour, show insiders claim.
Rachel is said to be backed in her stand by Dictionary corner star and fellow Oxford graduate Susie Dent, 56.
An insider said: “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.
“Rachel just wants to be treated with more respect and she expects it to be different when she returns to filming.
“No one wants to lose Rachel because she brings glamour and fun to the show, as well as being an absolute whizz at maths.”
A Channel 4 insider added last night: “We don’t want anyone to go as their chemistry — even if unintentional — is dynamite.
“Anne brings something to the show that no other female presenter can.
“She’s single-handedly bumped up ratings and made Countdown a talked-about show once again. But, of course, Rachel is a maths genius which isn’t an easy skill to replicate. We just hope they can hold peace talks so both stay.”
While tensions between Rachel, 35, and Anne have bubbled away behind the scenes, fans have claimed they can see issues on screen.
The row sensationally blew up this week after The Celeb Report revealed how Anne had muted Rachel so she did not have to hear her talking to contestants between takes after tiring of noise on set.
Despite the tensions, ratings are their highest since 2012 when the show was hosted by Nick Hewer, 77.
Rachel has been a fixture since 2009. She is expecting her second child with Strictly dancer Pasha Kovalev.
Former Weakest Link presenter Anne started in June.
When she was announced as the show’s first female host in February, she said she was excited about joining forces with Rachel and Susie.
Anne said: “The three of us will transform things. It will be Countdown goes chic, won’t it?”
