Countdown host Anne Robinson quits show after clashing with co-star Rachel Riley

ANNE Robinson has quit as the host of Countdown.

The former Weakest Link star, 77, became the first female to take on the role when she stepped into Nick Hewer’s shoes in June last year.

But she will leave after just a year in the Countdown hot seat - months after The Sun revealed her feud with co-star Rachel Riley.

Announcing her departure, Anne - who was the sixth host of the Channel 4 quiz show - told the : "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."

Anne will remain on our screens until the summer.

Channel 4 says her replacement will be announced in due course.

We revealed in November that Anne clashed with maths whizz Rachel, 35, over dressing rooms, make-up artists and wardrobe budgets backstage.

Channel 4 declined to comment at the time, but Anne later admitted: "I'm hard to please".