Part of her refusal to be bested at the numbers challenge comes because when she first started on Countdown, replacing 2012 Cheap Sherri Hill Dresses Carol Vorderman three years ago, she made a few mistakes. She says she was flustered – she had gone in to the new job straight from university, after her mum at home in Southend, Essex, insisted she apply.

‘I didn’t know which camera to look at. I would put the numbers target up and walk off set to get my numbers board, didn’t know where it was, wouldn’t know what the target was, wouldn’t know what was going on. And then quickly after that I got the hang of it and then the numbers became more routine. So, to start with it was quite nervy.’

All the time she was under intense scrutiny. From the moment Channel 4 announced she would be taking over, alongside host Jeff Stelling, there were reporters on her doorstep. ‘I was living at home with my parents. Then I was in all the papers and I didn’t know what to make of it.’

The interest from the papers, it’s fair to say, wasn’t just because of the odd misplaced number. With blonde hair and telescopic legs, Rachel is the queen of figures in Long Sherri Hill Prom Dresses more than one sense. Whenever she appears on Countdown in a dress that is anything more than a bin bag, the message boards and Twitter feeds crackle. One particular nude-coloured number two years ago caused such excitement that it made the evening news, because of its high hemline. ‘I was 23 and it was the summer,’ she says, which is not really an explanation. ‘I just try to wear different things because what appeals to one person might not appeal to someone else. I’m trying to keep everyone happy.’

She must be aware, though, that if she puts on something particularly revealing, Countdown addicts are going to get distracted from their daily conundrum. ‘I wasn’t then, but I’m more aware now, especially with Twitter. But even with the same outfit you’ll get polar-opposite views, so you can’t win. You’ve just got to learn that you can’t please everyone all of the time.’

You can see why Rachel’s wardrobe might be a struggle – she has to film upwards of 250 episodes a year, which means a lot of Short Sherri Hill Prom Dresses dresses. ‘I re-wear them, but I do have quite a lot. When I’m finished I give them to charity – if charities want some they only need to ask. Mum’s a fundraiser as well, so she auctions off my dresses at charity events.’