Rachel Riley: Countdown star takes swipe at ‘uncreative’ host Nick Hewer ‘That was awful’

Rachel Riley, who has appeared on Countdown since 2009, delved into the art world on the programme after being questioned by The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer.

However, the presenter suggested the 74-year-old lacked creativity while bringing up his appearance on The Great British Bake Off’s Stand Up To Cancer special earlier this year.

The 32-year-old quoted the proverb, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, after the reality television star discussed artist Andy Warhol.

“Is this truly such a momentous movement, this pop art movement?” Nick started. “Is it a triumph of marketing and imagination over pure talent?”

The star continued: “That’s what I wonder and I wondered whether you had a view?”

The camera then cut to Rachel, who was stood by the famous Countdown board, who appeared to have a very different view.

She stated: “I think maybe you’ve seen it too much over the years, because so many people have repeated Andy Warhol.

“But when it was original and fresh and new, it’s iconic, isn’t it? You can easily see a picture and instantly know it’s a Warhol.”

However, it was then Rachel came back with a cutting remark, but thankfully Nick appeared to take it very well during the light-hearted conversation.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant quipped: “I don’t know… people in glass houses.

“You say, ‘Oh it’s so easy to do these things’, but the only creative thing I’ve seen you do Nick was on the Bake Off.”

Clearly not hurt by her statement, the ex public relations consultant joked about his time on the Channel 4 special.

“That was awful, I’ve only just come out of therapy,” he added.

Nick took part in the Bake Off offering in March, which saw him dubbed “appalling” by judge Prue Leith.

He failed to produce a croquembouche – a tower of profiteroles - during a challenge alongside Stacey Solomon, Perri Kiely and Ricky Wilson.

Nick joked at the time: “It’s the new choux. It wasn’t easy to get there. I went through 23 eggs, and I’m not going to do it again.”

Comparing them to Yorkshire puddings, Paul Hollywood admitted: “It wasn’t what we wanted,” as Prue concluded he was “the most appalling baker”.

Meanwhile, it comes just hours after Rachel was left red-faced after an awkward Countdown spelling.

When Nick asked the guests what they had found, one replied “gropes”, which was soon spelt out on the board.

Countdown continues tomorrow at 2.10pm on Channel 4.