Richard Osman turned down Countdown hosting gig YEARS ago reveals top TV exec

RICHARD Osman was offered the chance to host Countdown years ago, but turned it down, according to a top TV executive.

Last month the telly favourite, 51, walked away from the long-running BBC One series, Pointless, having filmed more than 1,300 episodes and nearly 30 series.

It came just days before Anne Robinson, 77, revealed she would be leaving Countdown after one year in the host's seat.

Speculation quickly turned to who would replace her, with Richard an early frontrunner.

But Richard ruled himself out of the race in a tweet, which the TV executive then used to reveal she had previously courted him to host Countdown.

Richard had written: "I keep reading I'm the favourite to be the new Countdown host.

"But there are 3 problems. 1. I just gave up a show I love because I have no time. 2. @susiedent and I are mortal enemies. 3. They should give the job to @ColinMurray."

Helen Warner who has a long career in TV production, and served as Channel 4's head of daytime for five years until 2012, revealed she wanted Richard on Countdown.

She replied to his tweet: "I’d be fuming if you did it now, having turned me down! (Though you’d be the best by a mile) x"

Announcing her departure, Anne insisted she was leaving to spend more time with her grandchildren.

She blasted claims it was because of a feud with her co-star Rachel Riley.

Although she did admit they weren't friends outside of work.

"I’m not saying I would go on holiday with Rachel Riley, but she is brilliant", Anne told the .

"Absolutely honestly, I do admire her – she is really, really good at what she does, as is Susie Dent. 

"Look, Rachel has just come back from having a baby and she is standing throughout and faultless, whereas I get to sit down.

"She is noisy, yes she and Susie both are – they are a formidable pair those two."

Reacting to Anne's departure, Susie wrote on Twitter: "Some Countdown news. Wishing Anne all the very best in her new adventures with her grandchildren and beyond."

The post was retweeted by Rachel.

Anne will remain on our screens until the summer.

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