Countdown’s new host revealed after Anne Robinson exit – and he’s a very familiar face

LES Dennis has been revealed as the new host of Countdown following Anne Robinson's final episode airing earlier this month.

Colin Murray temporarily replaced Anne until the end of this year, but Les will step in for a limited time during the month of August.

Les is known for presenting Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002, as well as playing Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street and appearing in Ricky Gervais' Extras.

He recently joined the Only Fools and Horses musical as grandad.

Announcing his role as a guest host, Dennis posted on Twitter: "I shall be hosting the iconic Countdown.

"It is such an honour. Hope you enjoy."

Robinson hosted the iconic gameshow for just over a year and, when she announced her departure, she said she had "stayed longer than she signed up for".

The show's previous permanent hosts have included Nick Hewer, Jeff Stelling, Des O'Connor and Des Lynam.

It's also seen Richard Whiteley host, who was the show's original host and was on it for 23 years until his death in 2005.

When Murray was announced as temporary host in May, he said on Twitter that he is "like the assistant manager, given the job until the end of season".

He also added that it is an "absolute honour" to host his "fave show ever".

Meanwhile, Rachel Riley wrote ahead of Murray's first show that he's a "lovely bloke" who "loves the show, the game, the contestants and the team and we all love him".

A permanent replacement for Robinson has yet to be announced, however, Hewer previously said that his personal picks would include Murray or Gyles Brandreth.