Dr Tom Crawford Replaces Rachel Riley on Countdown as New Numbers Expert

Image credits: Channel 4/PA

Dr Tom Crawford, a lecturer and public engagement lead at the University of Oxford, has made his debut on the popular TV quiz show Countdown, replacing Rachel Riley as the numbers expert for three weeks. Crawford, who has over 200,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel Tom Rocks Maths, is the show's first-ever male arithmetician and brings a unique approach to the role, making mathematics accessible to everyone. He has been filling in for Riley, who is working on another project, and has been well-received by the show's hosts and contestants.

Crawford's YouTube channel, Tom Rocks Maths, aims to share his love of maths with the world, and he has gained a significant following online. He has also been praised by Riley, who said that Countdown viewers are in great hands with him. Crawford has been working alongside host Colin Murray, lexicographer Susie Dent, and Sir Stephen Fry in Dictionary Corner, and has been called into action several times in the numbers rounds to help contestants with tricky calculations. His ability to break down complex equations has been impressive, and he has quickly become a fan favorite on the show.

Dr Crawford's appearance on Countdown has been met with excitement from fans, who are enjoying his fresh and unique approach to the show. He has been dressed smartly in a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and has admitted to being a little nervous but very excited to be on the show. Crawford has also been praised by the show's hosts, with Sir Stephen Fry joking that his handwriting is a little smaller than Rachel's, and Susie Dent remarking that he fitted right in. The show's schedule will remain the same, with episodes airing Mondays to Fridays at 2:10pm on Channel 4, and featuring a range of interesting guests, including Jenny Powell and Vick Hope.

Some of the notable episodes and guests on Countdown include:

• Monday's episode, which featured Sir Stephen Fry in Dictionary Corner
• Wednesday's episode, which will feature Jenny Powell as a guest
• Friday's episode, which will feature Vick Hope as a guest

The show has been a dependable daytime hit for Channel 4 since its launch in 1982, and has been hosted by a range of presenters, including Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, and Jeff Stelling. Carol Vorderman appeared on the show as assistant host for 26 years, and was replaced by Rachel Riley in 2009. Riley has been a popular host on the show, and has been named in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her services to Holocaust education and fighting anti-Semitism.

Dr Crawford's goal is to make elite mathematics teaching available to everyone, and he has been successful in doing so through his YouTube channel and now through his appearance on Countdown. He has a range of maths-themed tattoos, including one of his YouTube handle on his forearm, and has said that he may even get another tattoo to commemorate his appearance on the show. With his unique approach and passion for maths, Dr Crawford is sure to be a hit with Countdown fans, and his appearance on the show is a great opportunity for him to share his love of mathematics with a wider audience.

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