Graduate makes Countdown debut - graduate jobs

An Oxford graduate has stepped into Carol Vorderman's shoes to become the new face of Countdown.

Following a revamp, the new look Channel 4 show is now hosted by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling and 22-year-old graduate Rachel Riley.

Miss Riley, who wore skyscraper black high-heeled shoes and a bright blue dress for the first show to be broadcast, was up against 1,000 hopefuls to secure the role on the popular afternoon show.

Asked whether she had enjoyed her Countdown debut, she said: "It was great. We've got some very, very good contestants here so I didn't have to do much work, did I?"

Despite the personnel and visual changes, the show's format will remain the same and Mr Stelling, who replaced Des O'Connor, assured the audience it is the same Countdown that they have grown to love over the years.

During the first show the 55-year-old presenter joked: "I'm not the only new face here today; say 'hello' to Rachel Riley. And don't worry, you haven't tuned into Beauty and the Beast by mistake."

Ms Vorderman, 47, a Cambridge graduate, left Countdown in December after 26 years. She had hosted the show since it was first aired in 1982.