Rachel Riley On Her Beloved Manchester United

Rachel Riley, the Countdown co-host and star of Strictly Come Dancing, takes time out from her training to discuss her beloved Manchester United…

 

What have you made of the season so far?
Obviously we’d like to be a bit higher in the table, but I think everyone accepts this season is a bit of a transitional one. Let’s see where we’re at Christmas - hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts. If we can keep everybody fit we’ll always have a great chance.

Which players have stood out for you?
Rooney has been in great form, which has been brilliant to see. He’s scored some great goals and produced some good performances. Januzaj looks a really exciting player too - his winner at Sunderland was brilliant. Hopefully there are more goals to come.

Have you managed to get to Old Trafford this season?
No I haven’t yet because of Strictly, but I’ve followed all the games. The one I properly sat down to watch was the Manchester derby but we’ll forget that one! Hopefully I’ll get to come soon. I’ll definitely be finished on Strictly by Christmas at the latest so I’ll be here with my dad as soon as I can.

How has the Strictly experience been so far?
I’m loving it, I didn’t realise how much I would. It’s been so much fun but it’s also hard work. It’s like learning to walk again and I’m using muscles I didn’t know existed! There is more skill involved than you think - you’re doing lots of spins, turns, and lifts - in heels! I’m loving the challenge though and getting such a buzz from it.

How do the nerves of Strictly compare to watching United?
It’s a bit different! You’re pretty shattered when you come to the main dance because you’ve used up so much energy and nervous energy practising. Last week’s dance-off was very scary. The perfect weekend for me is getting through and seeing United win.

Are there any other Reds in the Strictly line-up?
Ashley Taylor Dawson is a big United fan and has even played at Old Trafford a few times in charity games. Abbey Clancey, married to Peter Crouch, isn’t actually a big football fan and my dance partner Pasha has no idea about football so I’ve been trying to educate them.

Finally, can United lift a trophy this season?
Of course! Things are different this season but that was always going to be the case after Sir Alex retired. But we still have a good squad and players like Ryan (Giggs) are important, along with the other experienced figures. All the team can do is their best. It’s like on Strictly; you can only hope to be better than your last performance.