Anne Robinson is stepping down as the host of Countdown after one year “in the hot seat”. Former Weakest Link star Robinson, 77, joined the Channel 4 quiz show last year, becoming its sixth presenter and the first female to take the role.
Robinson, who recorded 265 episodes of the show, said: “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 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.”
She will appear in shows until the summer with a new host announced in due course, Channel 4 said. A show spokesperson said: “Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic show.”
Robinson followed in the footsteps of Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling and Nick Hewer as the presenter of Countdown, which launched in 1982. Bookmakers Betfair have now revealed who is most likely to take over from her.
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
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: ”Romesh Ranganathan is the 2/1 favourite to take over presenting Countdown from Anne Robinson who’s clock has ticked down on her time on the show. Robinson is 11/1 to swap numbers and letters for snakes and spiders in I’m A Celebrity 2022 and 16/1 to take to the dancefloor on Strictly Come Dancing this year.”
