Anne Robinson has announced that she is leaving Countdown after just one year as host of the Channel 4 quiz show.
The 77-year-old took on the role in June 2021, becoming the first woman to host Countdown as a solo act since it began in 1982 as the first programme ever to be aired on Channel 4.
Anne followed in the footsteps of Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling and Nick Hewer, presenting the show alongside mathematician Rachel Riley and lexicographer Susie Dent.
With Anne set to depart Countdown this summer, fans are speculating as to who could replace her as host of the show, WalesOnline reports .
Bookmakers Betfair have revealed who is most likely to take over from Anne according to their odds, with comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan the favourite to be the new host.
Also topping the list is Carol Vorderman, who found fame co-hosting Countdown for 26 years until 2008, and Scottish newsreader Fiona Bruce, who currently presents Question Time on BBC One.
The bookmakers also have odds on Anne Robinson to take part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! or even take to the dance floor in Strictly Come Dancing this year following her departure.
Here’s the full list of who could take on the famous role next.
Betfair - Next Countdown presenter
Romesh Ranganathan - 2/1
Carol Vorderman - 4/1
Fiona Bruce - 7/1
Jermaine Jenas - 8/1
Paul O’Grady 10/1
Kate Garraway - 10/1
Colin Murray - 11/1
Jeff Stelling - 12/1
Jimmy Carr - 14/1
Dermot O’Leary - 14/1
Dara Ó Briain - 14/1
Rachel Riley - 16/1
Victoria Derbyshire - 16/1
Rochelle Humes - 16/1
Phillip Schofield 20/1
Jon Richardson - 20/1
Ben Shephard - 20/1
Betfair - Countdown specials
Show to be cancelled by 2025 - 4/1
Rachel Riley to leave show by 2025 - 5/1
Rachel Riley to leave show in 2022 - 12/1
Show to be cancelled in 2022 - 25/1
Betfair - Anne Robinson specials
To take part in Celebrity Bake Off 2023 - 7/1
To take part in I’m A Celebrity 2022 - 11/1
To take part in Strictly Come Dancing 2022 - 16/1
To take part in Dancing on Ice 2023 - 20/1
Anne said in a statement that she was leaving Countdown to spend more time with her grandchildren.
"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,” she said.
The former Weakest Link star added: “I 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. In fact the genius of Countdown is that it’s a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5k most days of the week.
“And I can now do an anagram at twice the speed I could this time last year. But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention.”
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