Paddy McGuinness’s Playful Crush on Rachel Riley – A Candid Laugh on Celebrity Gogglebox
Get ready for some light-hearted telly fun! On a recent episode of Celebrity Gogglebox, comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness made a cheeky, off-hand confession that caught everyone by surprise—his celebrity crush… was Countdown mathematician Rachel Riley.
Celebrity Gogglebox Moment
Who said it: Paddy McGuinness, chatting with fellow Bolton BBC radio host Vernon Kay during a segment where they watched Rachel Riley on Countdown
The confession: He admitted with a grin, “There’s something about Rachel Riley. You know when you have, like, a celebrity crush that you’re not supposed to have?”
Quick reversal: Vernon teased him, “But she’s a United fan,” prompting Paddy to playfully withdraw his statement—“Oh, I’ve gone right off her!”
Context & Reactions
What’s really happening: This light-hearted declaration comes amid shifting dynamics following Paddy’s split from wife Christine McGuinness in 2022. Around the same time, Christine has been reported to be developing a bond with TV personality Dan Osborne
Why it lands: Paddy’s confession is delivered in a friendly, self-aware manner—humorously giving fans a glimpse into his banter with Vernon and his playful side.
Fan Buzz
Though there’s no full clip available online to embed, screenshots and reactions have been circulating on social media. Fans of both Paddy and Celebrity Gogglebox are sharing memes and lighthearted takeaways—especially enjoying Paddy’s U-turn about Rachel’s love for Manchester United.
Quote Highlights
“There’s something about Rachel Riley… a celebrity crush that you’re not supposed to have?”
“Oh, I’ve gone right off her!” – Paddy, registering his shift after Vernon’s jab.