Who hosted Countdown? Colin Murray confirmed as permanent host
After taking over temporarily from Anne Robinson last summer, Colin Murray was confirmed as the permanent host for Countdown.
This TV and radio presenter is well-known for hosting music and football programs, but she will join the prestigious list of celebrities who have hosted the Channel 4 quiz show.
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He said: “It’s a career dream to be named as permanent anchor of one of television’s most iconic programmes. Since day one, I’ve been a fan. I was a part of the family for more than a decade. I even appeared on Dictionary Corner. Now, I get to guide it into the fifth decade.
“However, I just don’t want Countdown to survive, I want it to thrive. During my caretaker stint we’ve seen more people tune back in, with close to a million [0.9m] I watched the series finale in December and it was amazing.
“Countdown is a special show, and its stars will always be the letters and the numbers, but it’s more than that. People of all ages, from all walks of the UK, find Countdown to be a great afternoon companion. Rachel, Susie, and I are excited for the new year. If you haven’t watched in a while, drop by and join us. Everyone is welcome.”
Murray was previously an in-placer for Nick Hewer during a coronavirus pandemic, so he was a popular choice among fans when he assumed control.
Here are the names of those who hosted the quiz show throughout the years.
Richard Whiteley 1982 – 2005
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Richard Whiteley was the first and most well-known host for Countdown. He was with it from its beginning in 1982, until his death June 2005.
Whiteley, journalist and broadcaster, was co-starred Carol VordermanTheir 2004 debut was also witnessed by Susie Dent, the current Dictionary Corner lead, who gained fame following his stint on the show.
Vorderman paid an emotional tribute on Countdown to her friend, saying that “the clock stopped too quickly”. Since 2005, the Richard Whiteley Memorial Trophy has been presented to series champions in his memory.
Des Lynam 2005 – 2006
After Whiteley’s passing, Des Lynam was briefly the host. His time on the show lasted until 2006.
He was originally contracted to film until 2007, but he resigned after 18 months due to the long distance from West Sussex to Leeds.
Lynam has been a Dictionary Corner guest since then.
Des O’Connor 2007-2008
Lynam was succeeded two years later by Des O’Connor who served as a temporary presenter.
The performer and presenter, who died in 2008, decided to retire from Countdown because he wanted to go back to his theatre work and entertainment roots.
Jeff Stelling 2009 – 2011.
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The quiz show was then taken over by Jeff Stelling, a sports presenter who had been rumored to have been in the running for Whiteley’s replacement back in 2005.
Stelling also had a maths genius as a partner when he started filming. Rachel RileyCurrently, he is in the same role.
Stelling left at the end 2011, to go back to his day job of presenting football coverage. Stelling has since tried his hand again in gameshow hosting, with the ITV two-series Alphabetical.
Nick Hewer 2012-2021
Nick Hewer was the longest-running host for Countdown, serving as the host from January 2012 to the end of 2021.
Most well-known as Lord Sugar’s aide and colleague The ApprenticeHewer began his TV career as a popular quiz presenter.
After the second coronavirus lockdown, he had to take a brief break at the end 2020. The new Robinson replacement Colin Murray made his debut as a host.
Robinson became the first female Countdown host and Hewer decided not to continue in the role.
Anne Robinson 2021 – 2022
Anne Robinson announced she was quitting After just a year as host, Countdown was her last show. Rumours rife that she wasn’t compatible with the hosts. co-stars Riley and Dent.
She said that she wanted her focus to be on her family and home. Channel 4 was hoping to sign up another older woman presenter. However they have already announced their decision to use a younger man.
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On her decision to call time on her Countdown role, Robinson said: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. I stayed for longer than I expected. It is now time for an older woman in charge. 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 on most days. I can now complete an anagram twice as fast as I could last year. However, I do have grandchildren and a large garden, as well as a New York home, that all deserve my attention.
Channel 4’s weekday countdown airs at 2.10pm.
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