Why did Anne Robinson quit Countdown and who is replacing her?-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Anne Robinson quit the Channel 4 game show earlier this year (Picture: BBC / Channel 4)

Anne Robinson stepped down as the host of Countdown last year, after one year of fronting the show, where she starred alongside Rachel Riley and Suzie Dent on the Channel 4 game show.

The former Weakest Link presenter took over from The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer on the letters and numbers programme last year, after much speculation over who would take his place following 10 years at the helm.

However in May, Anne revealed she ‘stayed longer than I signed up for,’ after recording 265 episodes of the show.

‘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 shared, announcing her exit from the gameshow.

She added that she hopes to have changed people’s perceptions on what older women are capable of, even praising the show for helping keep her brain active, saying: ‘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.’

Anne Robinson fronted the programme with Rachel Riley and Susie Dent (Picture: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)

‘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.’

Why did Anne Robinson quit Countdown?

As Anne continued in her statement announcing her departure, she quit the game show to spend more time with her family and venture across the pond.

Concluding her announcement, she said: ‘But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention.’

Anne admitted quitting to spend more time with her grandchildren (Picture: Channel 4)

Anne’s departure came amid rumours of a feud between her and Riley, however these were dismissed as ‘nonsense’, and not the reason she quit.

The rumours began after it was claimed Anne had Rachel’s microphone turned off after she reportedly found her chatting to contestants ‘hugely distracting’ in November 2021.

She has since addressed the speculation, saying: ‘I’m not saying I would go on holiday with Rachel Riley, but she is brilliant.

‘Absolutely honestly, I do admire her – she is really, really good at what she does, as is Susie Dent.’

Anne dismissed the feud rumours with Rachel Riley as nonsense (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

‘Look, Rachel has just come back from having a baby and she is standing throughout and faultless, whereas I get to sit down,’ she added to the Daily Mail.

‘She is noisy, yes she and Susie both are – they are a formidable pair those two. But there isn’t a question of my going because of a rift, that’s nonsense.’

Rachel also dismissed reports of a ‘feud’ between her and co-star Anne, telling ITV’s Lorraine that people should ‘not believe’ tabloids.

Who is replacing Anne Robinson on Countdown?

Match of the Day 2 presenter Colin Murray will be taking over (Picture: Alan Walter)

Anne’s replacement was announced today as TV presenter Colin Murray, with Rachel taking to Twitter to share the good news.

Colin is no stranger to the timer though, having already had a stint on Countdown after Anne quit the game show earlier this year.

At the time, Colin – who is best known for fronting Match Of The Day 2 – acted as her ‘stand in’.

Now he’s back, with Rachel announcing the news on Twitter, alongside a behind-the-scenes snap of herself, Colin and Susie Dent, as she penned: ‘Today this lovely bloke @ColinMurray takes over hosting @C4Countdown.

‘He loves the show, the game, the contestants and the team and we all love him.’

When Colin temporarily took over in May, he addressed the exciting gig on Twitter, writing: ‘I’m like the assistant manager, given the job until end of season.

‘Earn respect of dressing room (@susie_dent @RachelRileyRR), get some points on the board, try to win a trophy! 75 games to get it right!

More: Trending

‘Absolute honour. Fav show ever. July 14 to start of Nov.’

Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.

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