Fan's of Channel 4's popular daytime show Countdown have been eagerly awaiting news of who will host the show following the announcement that Anne Robinson had stepped down.
Her replacement has now been confirmed - and is already filming episodes. Stepping into the 77 year-old's shoes will be Colin Murray and former show host, Nick Hewer has said he is 'delighted' with the appointment.
A spokesperson for the show confirmed: "He will be in the show until late Autumn." Colin is the stand in replacement for Anne Robinson but he could become permanent.
Anne spent just a year in the 'hot seat' after becoming the sixth presenter of the show and the first woman to take the role. She recorded a total of 265 episodes of the show.
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So who is Colin Murray? A TV and radio presenter, he became host of BBC Television's Match of the Day 2 on BBC2 and anchored shows on BBC Radio Five Live. It is also understood that the 45-year-old is already close pals with Rachel Riley.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "Colin started filming on set in Salford yesterday," adding: "He will be in the show until late Autumn".
Colin is no stranger to the Countdown studio, he was guest presenter when former host Nick Hewer was shielding during the Covid pandemic.
Taking to Twitter, Colin posted a video of the walk to a Countdown dressing room with his name on the door. Alongside the video he wrote: "I’m like the assistant manager, given the job until end of season.
"Earn respect of dressing room ( @susie_dent @RachelRileyRR ), get some points on the board, try to win a trophy! 75 games to get it right!" He added: "Absolute honour. Fav show ever. July 14 to start of Nov."
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "Colin has agreed to be a stand-in host for us, which is brilliant news.
"He knows the team and gets on really well with Rachel, they are good friends off screen. No one knows what is going to happen beyond the autumn in terms of hosting, but if Colin does want the job, he is in the right place to show why he should get it."
Former host Nick Hewer replied to Colin's Tweet saying: "Colin, I’m truly delighted for you - a true fan of the show and a great presenter. I sense that this time, it’s permanent and you’ll be in that seat for years to come. Congratulations"
Fans were also quick to react. One wrote: "Colin bring the fun and familiarity back to the greatest quiz of them all - you did before. You will again". Another said: "That's great news. I'm going to miss you on Quest Efl highlights next season. I don't normally watch countdown, but now you're going to be there they've got a new viewer. I'll be looking for some great Irish banter with Susie and Rachel. Best of luck with it."
What do you think about the new appointment? Let us know in the comments below.
Countdown continues to air on Channel 4 and Channel 4+1.
