Radio presenter Colin Murray has today been revealed as the new face of Countdown.
The hosting position for the coveted Channel 4 brainteaser has been vacant since Anne Robinson controversially departed in May, following a one year tenure at the helm.
The announcement came on Wednesday's instalment of Steph's Packed Lunch - with host Steph McGovern teasing fans with: "Here's a hint. They were once part of a weekday double act alongside a famous Scot."
Read more: Newcastle presenter Vick Hope shares excitement at becoming Countdown star in sweet post
The Mirror reports that a conundrum was also placed on screen for fans to guess, which read 'MINAORCURLY'. Colin then removed his wig as the announcement was made and said: "I'm an accidental radio presenter, then an accidental TV presenter and a print journalist."
Colin revealed he picked an agent that looked after Countdown's Richard Whiteley. He was told by the agent to write a bio about himself.
"And at the end, I wrote Colin's ambition is to one day host Countdown. So yeah, that's pretty surreal. To be part of the family and dictionary corner was amazing enough and then to be sitting in that chair as the caretaker for the last six months has never really been past surreal," he added.
He first appeared on Countdown in Dictionary Corner, before standing in for Nick Hewer as host during the second coronavirus lockdown in England. Colin then guest-hosted last year following Robinson’s departure.
He also said: "It’s a career dream to be named as permanent anchor of one of television’s most iconic programmes. I have been a fan since day one, been part of the family for over a decade, appearing on Dictionary Corner, and now I get the honour of guiding it into a fifth decade.
"However, I just don’t want Countdown to survive, I want it to thrive. During my caretaker stint we’ve seen more people tune back in, with close to a million (900,000) watching the series final in December, and I want that to just be the beginning.
“Countdown is a special show and its stars will always be the letters and the numbers, but it’s more than that."
Colin continued: “Great afternoon company for people of all ages from all across the UK.”
Anne, 78, joined the show in 2021 and became the first main female presenter. She presented her final episode of the show on July 13 and was 'temporarily replaced' by Colin, who hosted until the end of the year. At one point, Coronation Street star Les Dennis stepped in as host when Colin took a break over the summer.
Announcing her departure, Anne said she'd had a "blast" on the show but felt it was time to call it a day.
She said at the time: "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.
"In 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."
She went on to add that she was departing the show to spend more time with her family. Anne added: "But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention."
The former Weakest Link host had also dismissed rumours that she was squabbling backstage with maths whizz Rachel Riley. It came after reports Anne had asked for Rachel's microphone to be switched off on set.
She told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour that there wasn't a feud, but admitted she did ask for Rachel to be silent. Speaking about Riley and Susie Dent, Anne said: "They’re both brilliant at what they do. I mean they really, really are. Channel 4 are incredibly lucky to have them. And there isn’t a rift.
"It was me wanting everyone to be quiet in the studio. I like everyone turning up on time and quiet, quiet, quiet. So we did have to iron that out. But that’s it. I think we all came to an agreement that we would have mics off before we went into a record, which gave me time to have a chat with the contestants – that’s all – and remind them what their hobbies are."
What do you make of Colin Murray as Countdown host? Let us know in the comments.
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