New Countdown host revealed on Steph’s Packed Lunch – and they’re a very familiar face

THE Countdown host has been revealed on Steph’s Packed Lunch - and they’re a very familiar face.

The Channel 4 show has temporarily been hosted by Colin Murray since Anne Robinson quit in May last year.

Despite a break in proceedings when the show was hosted by a series of guest stars to celebrate its 40th birthday in November, Colin, 45, has been front and centre alongside co-star Rachel Riley.

On today's Steph's Packed Lunch, it was revealed who would be Countdown's new main host, and it turned out to be...Colin.

He said of his official appointment: "It is pretty surreal, to have been in Dictionary Corner was amazing and then to be the 'caretaker' for the last six months. It's never stopped being surreal."

Speaking about how he used to watch it as a kid, he said: "It was cheeky, it was irreverent, I loved it.

"I get to see it into its fifth decade, being honest I think it's like a football team that used to win trophies and I want it to win trophies again.

"We want it to really thrive, return it to the days when it used to win everything in daytime."

Continuing to use football analogies, Colin joked he was a "no mark" after "big league manager" Anne left.

Colin added the key was loving the show, as viewers can spot a "fake".

He added: "It doesn't have to be good every day, Countdown is not good every day but it's real and we love it."

Countdown first aired in November 1982 with Richard Whiteley as it's first host with Carol Vorderman on the numbers and letters.

Following Richard's death in 2005, Des Lynam became the first new host of the show since it began.

When he left in December 2006, Des O'Connor took over for a year followed by Jeff Stelling from January 2009 until December 2011.

Following his departure, Nick Hewer took his place and remained as the main host until July 2021, before Anne became the show's first female presenter in July 2021.

Her last episode aired in July last year before Colin took over as a guest host.

Channel 4’s Head of Daytime and Features, Jo Street, said: “We have listened to the fans. Many have written in to let us know how much they love Colin on the show, and so I am delighted to be able to confirm that he is staying in the hotseat alongside lexicographer Susie Dent and maths whiz Rachel Riley MBE."

Peter Gwyn, Executive Producer, Lifted Entertainment, added: "We are thrilled that Colin is our new permanent host. His boundless energy, infectious humour and genuine love for the programme have really struck a chord with our viewers, and he, Rachel and Susie are the perfect team to take this iconic show into the future."

Countdown airs weekdays from 2.10pm on Channel 4. Steph's Packed Lunch airs weekdays from 12.30pm on Channel 4.