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rachel riley baby brain© Photo: Twitter

Rachel Riley blames baby brain for embarrassing on-air blunder

The Countdown star won't make that mistake again

Jenni McKnight
US Lifestyle Editor
May 29, 2020
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Rachel Riley is a maths genius and prides herself on her extensive knowledge. But on Friday morning she suffered an "embarrassing" blunder on Capital Breakfast after she failed to answer what the Q in IQ stands for. Blaming her baby brain, Rachel admitted she'll "never live down" her on-air mistake. Sharing her frustration on Twitter, the mum-of-one wrote: "Absolutely perished in embarrassment just now!!! Taxi for Rachel. I’ll get my coat. I blame the baby."

WATCH: Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev's daughter makes Countdown debut

MORE: Rachel Riley's daughter looks identical to dad Pasha Kovalev in heart-melting photo

Responding to a fan who was desperate to know what happened, Rachel answered: "Some might say ironically, I couldn’t remember what the Q in IQ stands for." Capital Breakfast co-host Sian Welby tried to comfort her, writing: "Awww you were such a good sport! Thanks for coming on to help us prank Roman!!" With Rachel replying: "I'll never live this down."

rachel riley baby brain© Photo: Twitter

Rachel Riley embarrassed herself on Friday morning

Rachel, 34, is best known for showing off her mathematic skills on popular Channel 4 show Countdown. During her decade in television, the TV personality took part in the 2013 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she met her now-husband, professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. The couple then welcomed their daughter, whose full name is Maven Aria Riley Kovaleva, on 15 December, two weeks after her due date.

MORE: Rachel Riley reveals rare look inside stylish living room

rachel riley baby© Photo: Instagram

Rachel Riley shares daughter Maven with husband Pasha Kovalev

Meanwhile, the doting mum has spoken openly about her first experience of motherhood and recently made a hilarious confession during an appearance on Countdown. She told host Nick Hewer: "When Mave was first born and she was crying and it was the middle of the night - and you're desperately trying to get her to sleep - I was shushing her and thought, 'there's something wrong. Why isn't she going to sleep?'"

"And then I realised I wasn't holding her," she added. "I was holding my hot water bottle. Trying to get that off to sleep - I was patting its head. It was just a furry hot water bottle and she was still in her cot." Just blame it on the baby brain.

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