Countdown fans beg for Corrie star to replace Anne Robinson after hilarious guest host gig

CHANNEL 4 producers have been searching for a new permanent Countdown presenter since Anne Robinson quit – but fans only have one person in mind.

Fans of the popular British game show are begging bosses to hire Les Dennis as the show’s full-time frontman after they applauded his hosting skills on Thursday night’s episode.

Les presented Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002, then went back to the role after Colin Murray pulled out of the show when he tested positive for coronavirus.

Les marked his first day back in the Countdown hot seat by announcing the news on Twitter, along with a snap of himself behind the desk, writing: “So here it is. My first day sitting in for Colin Murray on Channel 4 Countdown. Hope you enjoy.”

In the latest episode, Les was joined by fan-favorite Rachel Riley, Susie Dent, and Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank.

Les and Rachel hosted as contestants raced against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers.

Fans were so impressed with Les’s hosting skills that they took to social media to praise him.

One wrote:  “Les Dennis just came out of nowhere as a strong contender for permanent Countdown host. Turns up to the studio to do Dictionary Corner, is thrust into the presenter’s chair at short notice, and it’s like he’s been hosting the show for years.”

Another agreed, saying: “It’s incredible how Les Dennis stepping in completely at random as host of Countdown is already better at it than Anne Robinson ever was.”

A third posted: “Les I thought you were brilliant, exactly what the show needs from a host. Give him the gig guys, you know it makes sense!”

A fourth tweeted: “Really enjoy watching you host, Les Dennis. Hope to see more of you in the chair in the future”

While a fifth remarked: “Les Dennis is a refreshing change of host, although temporary. I wish he could stay for a long time – he’s great!”

Colin has been assigned as a temporary host to cover for Anne Robinson, while Les stepped up for August after Colin tested positive for Covid.

This comes after Anne Robinson, aka ‘the Queen of Mean’ announced her departure from the show, revealing she quit over a pay dispute.

The cast of Countdown are reported to have been ‘relieved’ Anne stepped down as the host after reports of a feud on set with Rachel – who Anne had branded, “too noisy”.  

Despite reports of on-set feuds, Anne said she had a ‘blast’ during her time on the show.

‘”I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins,” she said in a statement, after becoming the first woman to become host of the series.

The former Weakest Link host continued: “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.”

Countdown airs weekdays from 2.10pm on Channel 4 and All 4.