Rachel Riley is every inch the doting mum as she carries baby daughter Maven

She welcomed her beloved firstborn child in December 2019.

And Rachel Riley was every inch the doting mum as she carried baby daughter Maven out of the Countdown studios in Salford on Wednesday.

The maths whiz, 35,  wrapped up in a vibrant pink padded coat and wore a protective visor amid the COVID-19 pandemic as she carried Maven in a sling.

The star teamed this with black leggings and monochrome trainers while wheeling a baby scooter.

Maven, who Rachel shares with husband Pasha Kovalev, looked adorable in a raindow bobble hat and a pink jumper.

Rachel looked relaxed and happy as she strolled out of the studio after filming and prepared to head home.  

Last month, Anne Robinson, 76, best known for her former role on The Weakest Link, confirmed she will take over as the host of Countdown. 

She will become the game show’s first female host in its 39-year history when she replaces Nick Hewer later this year. 

The announcement comes after Nick Hewer confirmed in December that he would be departing Countdown after a decade in the hot seat.

He took to Twitter to say: ‘Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life.

‘I’ve decided it’s a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year. As someone in his 77th year, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think it’s time to smell the flowers and get a dog.  

‘But let me now take the opportunity to say that it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record-holder.

‘And although I’ll be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes.

‘All 250 or so a year, my wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us.

‘And a sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot.  

‘And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as I’ve enjoyed. @C4Countdown @susie_dent @RachelRileyR.’ (sic) 

Following the announcement, Anne Robinson said: ‘I am beyond thrilled to be joining Countdown. The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic.

‘I am particularly excited to be working alongside the show’s two other formidable women.’

The new host went onto joke: ‘Sadly, there’s no time for another facelift so I’ll have make do with this old one.’