Riley defends 'Countdown' performance

Countdown newcomer Rachel Riley has defended her performance on the show following criticism of her ability to handle the pressure.

The 22-year-old replaced Carol Vorderman as the Channel 4 gameshow's numbers and letters girl in November, but insiders have claimed that she is struggling to match her predecessor's skills.

Riley reportedly failed to solve "five or six" number puzzles during one day of filming, leading to speculation that she was intimidated by the studio audience.

However, speaking to the Sunday Mirror, she insisted: "Luckily, I've been able to do most of them. But it's the luck of the draw. I know I am not going to get every single one right every time, but that is part of the fun."

Asked whether she expects to win over the programme's fans, Riley replied: "I am just going to be myself. That is all I can do. People have got their opinions and you can't please everyone. I just want to do my best. I am the type of person who just gets on with whatever life throws at you. I have a do-first, worry-later kind of attitude."

Riley's first episode will air on January 12. It also features the first appearance of new host Jeff Stelling, who replaces Des O'Connor.