COUNTDOWN fans were disappointed not to see Susie Dent in her usual perch in Dictionary Corner on Monday.
The much-loved host was missing from Countdown as comedian Rufus Hound was forced to stepped in for her.
Host Colin Murray said on yesterday's show that the popular brainiac was off for the week.
In her place was Dancing on Ice star Rufus, 43, who said he had big boots to fill.
Presenter Colin told fans: "We're laughing, but we're obviously under a very dark cloud because if we look over to Dictionary Corner there we can see there's no Susie Dent."
He joked: "Susie Dent, via email, quit last night, claiming that she can no longer work under the tyranny of Rachel Riley
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"I'm neutral in this, I'm not going to get involved. #BringBackSusie.
"I'm just glad it's out in the open now...because it's been like, you know, years and years of having to pretend you like each other."
He continued: "So it's good that it's out there and she's easily replaced as well.
"So that means Rufus Hound in Dictionary Corner.
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"Thankfully a safe pair of hands, this is a dream come true for a Countdown fan."
Discussing their party tricks, Rufus said: "People ask me what my party trick was.
"I said I'm highly-skilled in replacing the world's most accomplished lexicographer at a moment's notice on a televised word show."
The presenter continued: "Listen we wish her all the best but we're also delighted to have you here because a perfect person to have when we have an emergency.
"So Rufus Hound, it's great to have you this week."
Susie's loyal fans were gutted that their favourite TV personality was missing this week.
One fan asked: "@RachelRileyRR Where was Suzy today. I hope that she is OK."
Another posted: "No Susie though."
A third echoed: "Where the heck is @susie_dent @C4Countdown??!? I knew that @RachelRileyRR was a wrong un. It’s only taken her a decade to oust the DC boss!"
A fourth simply tweeted: "@susie_dent where is Susie Dent today?"
Someone else added: "@susie_dent Countdown not the same without you."
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It's not the first time Susie's missed a show, in 2021 she was forced to skip one episode while waiting for the results of a Covid test.
In June, Susie also missed another episode thanks to Covid and was replaced by Judge Rob Rinder.