Rachel Riley, who has appeared on Countdown since 2009, told Nick Hewer to head home instead of out for a very particular reason that comes around only once year.

The 32-year-old was joined in the Channel 4 studio by the former Apprentice star, Susie Dent and Dictionary Corner guest Julia Bradbury.

The former Strictly Come Dancing poked fun at the ex public relations consultant, 74, as he light-heartedly asked her if she would be joining them for the next programme.

“Tomorrow?” Nick had simply asked the Countryfile star, 48, first, after she had helped out Susie, 53.

“I think so…” she replied, before quipping: “Just for the end of the week, it would be rude not to.”

“Exactly, we’re counting on it,” he told her, laughing. “Susie, we will see you tomorrow?”

The star, who first joined the offering in 1992, of course told him: “I’ll be here,” before his attention turned to Rachel.

“And, we’ll see you tomorrow too?” Nick checked, before he got a reply that he was unlikely to be expecting.

She joked: “And, Nick, I would forego your usual Thursday night clubbing tonight, there’s going to be a lot of 18-year-old’s celebrating their results.”

Taking her comments in jest, he added: “I shall stay at home, tucked up with my Horlicks,” and she added: “Very good.”

It comes just hours after Rachel showed off an impressive secret skill, while starring in spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

She took on host Jimmy Carr in a fun game of darts, while the famous clock was ticking in the background.

After launching the 30-second time frame, the 45-year-old strutted over toward the dartboard, while beckoning her to join him.

The TV favourite proceeded to walk across the set in a tight, bandage dress, while the comedian attempted to score a bullseye.

The hilarious clip saw Jimmy repeatedly miss the target altogether, before swearing as he failed to score.

However, just moments later, Rachel instantly scored 20 points with her first throw then miraculously doubled her score.

Clearly unimpressed by her performance, Jimmy jokingly attempted to sabotage the game, as he placed one hand in front of her eyes.

But, it all proved pointless and, acknowledging her win, the comedian exclaimed: “Unbelievable.”

She teamed the racy get-up with a sparkling choker necklace and wore her locks in tight curls.

Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.