Richard Osman favourite to replace Anne Robinson on Countdown after Pointless exit

Virgin Radio

3 May 2022, 16:15

Former Pointless star Richard Osman could be stepping into Anne Robinson's boots on Channel 4's Countdown.

The presenter has quit the role after one year and 265 episodes in order to spend 'quality time' with her family.

Taking over from Nick Hewer last year, Anne was its sixth presenter and the first woman to fly the flag for the show.

Elsewhere in TV land, the Pointless star has left his job after 13 years and is now the favourite to land the Countdown position at 3/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The latest odds suggest Channel 4 chiefs could make a move for Pointless' exit-bound Richard Osman - although Susan Calman and Alex Horne are right up there as likely Anne Robinson replacements."

In a statement, TV personality Anne 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."

She went on to add: "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."

A BBC source said about Richard's departure: “Quiz fans and housewives all over the country will be gutted by this news. Richard has become a staple of the daytime schedule but sadly all good things must come to an end.

“Richard has loved every second of doing the show alongside Xander but he really wants to give his all to his writing career which has been an enormous success.

“His departure is completely amicable but he just does not have enough hours in the day to do everything so sadly something had to give.

“His literary career is going from strength to strength so he’s having to be slightly more choosy with what he does TV-wise."