BBC Pointless star Richard Osman turned down a gig hosting Countdown years ago, a top TV executive has claimed.
The 51-year-old quit Pointless this year sparking rumours that he could be jumping ship to another show.
It came just days after Anne Robinson, 77, said she would be leaving Countdown after just one year as the host, Birmingham Live reports.
There has been speculation that Richard could replace her.
But Richard ruled himself out in a tweet, writing: "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."
In reply, Helen Warner, who was Channel 4's head of daytime for five years until 2012, revealed she wanted Richard on Countdown. She said: "I’d be fuming if you did it now, having turned me down! (Though you’d be the best by a mile) x"
Robinson became known for delivering cutting remarks to contestants when she presented The Weakest Link, which was first broadcast in 2000, before ending 12 years later. In an interesting twist, Romesh is actually the current BBC Weakest Link host. Channel 4 Countdown continues to air each weekday.
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