Game show icon Richard Osman has given Channel 4 producers a big hint as to who he thinks should replace Anne Robinson on Countdown while also killing off rumours he will be the new host.
On Monday (May 2), it was confirmed that Anne, who is from Crosby, would be stepping down as the famous show's host after just over a year in the hot seat. She said the reasoning for her departure was due to wanting to spend more time with her family and doing other activities.
Following the news that she is quitting the game show, a flurry of names have been suggested as to who will replace Anne. Among the favourites is another Merseysider in the form of Paul O'Grady.
Read more: Anne Robinson shares honest opinion of Rachel Riley as she quits Countdown
Richard is another person who has been touted as a replacement for Anne. However, these rumours appear to have been put to bed by the presenter who recently quit his role on Pointless after 13 years on the BBC show to concentrate on writing novels, although he will still co-host the celebrity version of the quiz alongside Alexander Armstrong.
In a tweet, the 51-year-old said that there were "three problems" with the idea of him being the Countdown host. In the first two, he pointed out that he has just left another popular show because of time constraints and that the show's regular Dictionary Corner star Susie Dent is his "mortal enemy".
However, in his third and final point, Richard said that the producers should hire well-known Liverpool supporter Colin Murray as the new host. Murray has already hosted a number of Countdown episodes after filling in for Nick Hewer in January and February last year due to Covid lockdown rules preventing the latter from travelling to the set.
In his tweet, Richard said: "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. Susie Dent and I are mortal enemies. 3. They should give the job to Colin Murray."
Northern Ireland-native Colin made a name for himself as a radio host on BBC Radio 1. He then co-presented Channel 4's breakfast show RI:SE, although his time on the show which was cancelled less than two years after launching was brief.
His career continued on radio with Colin teaming up with former RI:SE colleague Edith Bowman to present their own show on Radio 1. He has also presented shows on Five Live including Fighting Talk.
A sports fan, Colin has also fronted Match of the Day 2 and coverage of the BDO World Darts Championship. He also co-wrote and presented a documentary called Davis v Taylor about the 1985 World Snooker Championship Final.
