Anne Robinson announced as new Countdown host, replacing Nick Hewer

Former Weakest Link quizmaster is set to become the series’ sixth overall host

Anne Robinson has been announced as the new host of popular TV quiz show Countdown.

The presenter is best known as the former host of the BBC game show The Weakest Link, which ran from 2000 to 2012.

Robinson is stepping in to replace Nick Hewer, who announced in December that he will be leaving Countdown in the near future.

Hewer, a former star of The Apprentice, had hosted the series for a decade.

Robinson’s appointment was announced on the Channel 4 chat show Steph’s Packed Lunch. Speaking on the show, Robinson said: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Countdown. The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. I am particularly excited to be working alongside the Show’s two other formidable women.

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“Worryingly, [co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley] are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me. Sadly, there’s no time for another facelift so I’ll have make do with this old one.”

On The Weakest Link, Robinson was known for her combative, withering repartee with contestants, and for her catchphrase: “You are the weakest link; goodbye.”

Robinson, 76, will be the sixth official Countdown host, following in the footsteps of Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling, and Hewer. She will be the first female host to front the series.

Countdown airs daily on Channel 4 at 2.10pm.