Following the news that Anne Robinson would be stepping down from her role as Channel 4's Countdown host, rumours have already been swirling as to who going to replace her. TV presenter and author Richard Osman has been reported as being a favourite but he's taken to social media to finally put an end to the rumours.
It was only last month, BBC Pointless star Richard, 51, announced in a heartfelt statement that he would no longer co-host the weekday editions of the popular quiz show, after presenting alongside Alexander Armstrong since the show launched in 2009. After becoming a best-selling author, Richard revealed he could no longer "keep up" with his schedule.
However his name was quickly tipped by bookmakers as one of the favourites to replace Anne Robinson, 77, when she revealed she'd be leaving Countdown after just a year earlier this week. But Richard has refuted the rumours and in a post on Twitter on Wednesday, May 4, he reiterated that he had "no time" to take on the role and joked he was "mortal enemies" with Countdown's Dictionary corner star Susie Dent.
In response to an article on the Daily Mail saying he'd been tipped as the favourite to become Countdown's next host, Richard tweeted: "I keep reading I'm the favourite to be the new Countdown host. But there are 3 problems. 1. I just gave up a show I love because I have no time. 2. @susiedent and I are mortal enemies. 3. They should give the job to @ColinMurray".
Countdown's Dictionary Corner star Susie Dent replied: "I’m so glad you mean the other @SusieDent. We’ll always have the Fellowship of the Corner" and fellow Countdown co-host Rachel Riley also added: "2 is definitely true, I once heard Susie and Richard doing what I can only assume was Krav Maga. Never mess with Susie D people, never".
Many of Richard's fans agreed that TV and radio presenter Colin Murray should be the next person to host the long-running Channel 4 game show. "@ColinMurray all the way. The lad is class, peerless, & future-proof," Dan Morfitt replied and Paul Fillery said: "Point number 3 is the key here - @ColinMurray was robbed the last time out, it shouldn’t even be a debate now".
Mark Norman said: "@colinmurray was brilliant at it when he covered for Nick Hewer that time. I thought at the time he would be perfect to replace Nick Hewer if he retires, and then we got Ann Robinson" whilst Cat M replied: "You'd be brilliant! But Colin Murray should definitely do it. He was great when he filled in before".
Countdown continues weekdays on Channel 4 and All 4 from 2.10pm and Pointless airs weekdays on BBC One from 5.15pm.
