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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kit Roberts

Carol Vorderman hints at Countdown return saying it would be an "honour"

Carol Vorderman has hinted at a possible return to iconic TV quiz show Countdown following the announcement that Anne Robinson will be quitting the show.

The maths whizz has broken silence and weighed in on Robinson's departure, saying that it would be an "honour" to return to the show.

Anne quit the show after clashing backstage with co-star Rachel Riley over dressing rooms, make-up artists, and wardrobe budgets.

Channel 4 is now looking for a replacement for Robinson with Carol one of the favourites to take over.

The 62-year-old co-hosted the show for 26 years alongside the late Richard Whiteley.

After hearing news of Anne's departure, Carol took to Twitter to address rumours that she was in the running as a way to boost ratings.

Anne Robinson quit Countdown over alleged disputes with co-star Rachel Riley (Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
Robinson had reportedly clashed with co-star Rachel Riley on the show (Press Association Images)

She wrote: "Thank you to all of you saying such lovely things about a possibility of me returning to Countdown.

"You're very kind & it would be an honour but I want to wish whoever is the lucky human to be the new host all the love and 9 letter words in the world #CountWell#HappyDays."

A source close to Carol told The Sun: "Countdown has always held a special place in Carol’s heart. And she continues to be a big fan of the show, nearly 40 years on.

"It’s lovely to see that she’s had such great support from fans of the show online."

Carol starred on Countdown from 1982 to 2008, and co-hosted alongside Richard Whiteley until his death in 2005.

The star was rumoured to be the highest woman in television at the time, raking in as much as £1 million a year.

Anne announced her departure from the show earlier this week, saying: "I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins.

“I hope too I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks."

Carol said that her mum Jean applied for the role on her behalf after seeing an ad in a newspaper (PA)

Carol joined the hit quiz show after her mum saw a newspaper advert which asked for a "woman with good mathematical skills" to co-host a quiz show.

She submitted an application on behalf of her daughter, only 21 at the time.

Vorderman's last Countdown show was recorded on November 13, 2008, and broadcast on December 12 of the same year.

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