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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Christian Abbott

Who will replace Anne Robinson on Countdown - and why is she quitting?

Anne Robinson, 77, confirmed she would be leaving Countdown after just one year of hosting the show.

The beloved presenter made decision to spend more time at her New York Home, as she has to film in the UK.

The long running Channel 4 series has been on UK screens for decades and the next potential replacement is joining a long legacy.

However, there are some clear frontrunners to sit in the presenter’s chair, while many other potential choices have been left in the dust.

Here are all the potential new hosts for Countdown, based Betfair’s latest odds.

Who will replace Anne Robinson on Countdown?

Anne Robinson recorded 265 episodes of Countdown (Press Association Images)

Currently, Channel 4 hasn’t confirmed who will be taking over as the presenter of Countdown.

However, based on the latest odds from Betfair Romesh Ranganathan is the frontrunner to take over as host.

The 2/1 favourite, Ranganathan, has proved immensely popular as the current host of the BBC ’s The Weakest Link revival.

He also makes regular appearances on Have I Got News For You, A League of Their Own and shows such as The Reluctant Landlord and King Gary.

Not only this, but he has a successful stand-up career, with the comedian currently on tour with The Cynics Mixtape.

The second favourite to take over Countdown is Carol Vorderman with 4/1 odds.

She previously appeared on the show from 1982 to 2008 and recently showed her support for Robinson on social media.

The presenter retweeted the story and wrote: "Awwwww.....lovely Countdown Hope you enjoyed it immensely Anne,” followed by heart emojis.

Vorderman is now a Loose Women presenter and host of the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards.

Who else are the bookies picks to take over?

Even though Romesh Ranganathan and Carol Vorderman are the clear favourites, there are still many other possibilities to take over.

These include:

  • 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

Why has Anne Robinson quit Countdown?

After just one year of hosting the show, Robinson confirmed she was leaving the programme.

She recorded 265 episodes of the show and just confirmed her reason for leaving the hot seat.

In a statement, she 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.

"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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