Les Dennis to host Countdown following Anne Robinson’s exit from the show

Virgin Radio

25 Jul 2022, 14:41

Les Dennis has revealed he will guest host Countdown next month following Anne Robinson’s final episode.

Colin Murray is temporarily replacing Anne Robinson until the end of the year however Dennis will step in for a brief stint as host from 4 to 15 August.

Dennis is probably best known for presenting Family Fortunes between the years 1987 and 2002, he also played Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street and appeared in Ricky Gervais’ sitcom Extras. More recently, the actor joined the Only Fools and Horses musical cast as Grandad.

Dennis announced his new position in a post on Twitter where he wrote: “From 4th August until 15th I shall be hosting the iconic @C4Countdown. It is such an honour. Hope you enjoy.”

Fans of the TV star took to the comments under the Tweet to share their excitement at the news, with one user writing: “I’ll definitely be tuning in! Good luck, you’re perfect for Countdown!”

Another said: “This is a perfect match for @C4Countdown ole school with a bit of new”

A third tweeted: “Congratulations Les, you are a great fit for Countdown. Always good to see you on the box.”

Robinson announced she was stepping down from the gameshow in May after hosting for just over a year and stated she had “stayed longer than [she] signed up for.”

Richard Whiteley was the show’s original host and held his position for 23 years until his death in 2005. Since then, there have been a string of different hosts, including Nick Hewer, Jeff Stelling, Des O’Connor and Des Lynman.

Anne’s final episode aired earlier this month, and at the time of her departure 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."