Countdown’s Rachel Riley left the letters and numbers behind to dress up as Cleopatra and launch a new Ancient Legends range of cereals for Kellogg’s.

The 30-year-old looks almost unrecognisable in a Cleopatra wig, thick black lashes and golden gown.

To complete the look, Rachel even posed with a variety of non-venomous snakes. The real Cleopatra, of course, died after being bitten by a deadly asp.

Rachel Riley dressed up as Cleopatra Rachel Riley dressed up as Cleopatra (Kellogg’s)

Rachel said: “It was so much fun to become Cleopatra for the day. I grew up in a house with all kinds of reptiles so snakes aren’t a problem for me and I actually really like handling them.”

She added: “It’s great to see Kellogg’s launching Ancient Legends into mainstream supermarkets. I have to be careful about what I eat as I have various food intolerances but the mueslis and granolas are wheat-free so they’re perfect for me and were great for nibbling on during the shoot!”

Countdown's Rachel Riley Countdown’s Rachel Riley (Kellogg’s)

The photos were taken for Kellogg’s as part of the launch for new varieties of granola, muesli and cereal which contain ancient grains and seeds such as spelt, rye, quinoa, chia and flax.

Rachel also posed wearing an Oculus Rift headset as inspiration for the shoot.

In the past, these grains were said to be a staple food of armies and warriors, but Kellogg’s has brought them back into the present day because they apparently pack a firm nutritional punch.

Rachel RileyRachel Riley (Kellogg’s)

Kellogg’s spokeswoman Louise Thompson-Davies said: “Rachel handled the snakes with no fear like a true ancient legend. She looked stunning as our celebrity Cleopatra, and at first glance I must admit I didn’t recognise her.”