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COUNTDOWN viewers were left in hysterics after a rude word appeared on today’s show.

A hilarious set of circumstances led to an embarassed-looking Rachel Riley assembling the word FORESKIN on the famous board.

Rachel Riley smiles as she assembles the word FORESKIN on the Countdown board
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Rachel Riley smiles as she assembles the word FORESKIN on the Countdown board

The two contestants had been tasked with finding a word out of the letters R, N, F, S, O, I, E, K, and T.

They made the most of what they had, but Rachel couldn't ignore the fact she had a rude word staring at her and flashed an amused smile.

Viewers shared their reaction on Twitter too, as one said: "Foreskint seems like it should be a word as well."

Another scoffed: "Foreskint - spending all ones money on circumcision"

Nick Hewer, seen here on a celebrity special, is quitting Countdown
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Nick Hewer, seen here on a celebrity special, is quitting CountdownCredit: Channel 4

Meanwhile, Countdown host Nick Hewer today announced he has quit after fronting the teatime show for a decade.

The 76-year-old, who had been taking a break from the series while he shielded from coronavirus, revealed he will not return next year.

He paid tribute to his co-stars Rachel and Susie Dent in an emotional post on Twitter where he wished good luck to the next host.

The veteran host has been replaced by Colin Murray on the show while he stayed at home during the pandemic but returned to the studio this week.

Nick tweeted today: "Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life.

He paid tribute to co-stars Susie Dent and Rachel Riley as he stood down
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He paid tribute to co-stars Susie Dent and Rachel Riley as he stood down
The host, seen here being surprised on his 70th birthday, said 'it's time to smell the flowers'
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The host, seen here being surprised on his 70th birthday, said 'it's time to smell the flowers'Credit: Channel 4

"I’ve decided it’s a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year.

"As someone in his 77th year, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think it’s time to smell the flowers and get a dog.

"But let me now take the opportunity to say that it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record holder.

"Although I’ll be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes, all 250 or so a year.

"My wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us.

The Countdown host revealed he was leaving in an emotional thread on Twitter
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The Countdown host revealed he was leaving in an emotional thread on Twitter
He will be handing the Countdown conundrum over to a new host in 2021
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He will be handing the Countdown conundrum over to a new host in 2021Credit: Planet
Colin Murray has been filling in as host while Nick shielded at home
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Colin Murray has been filling in as host while Nick shielded at homeCredit: Rex Features

"And a sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot.

"And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as I’ve enjoyed."

Nick was bombarded with messages of thanks from fans of the show - and former Countdown stars.

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One wrote: "As one of the many contestants on your watch, thank you for making my experience so special and generally for helming with such grace and good humour. You will be missed.";

Another tweeted: "Will miss seeing you on-screen Nick- you've had a great run, and I hope the next presenter is similarly dry and witty!"

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