Nick Hewer reveals gruelling Countdown schedule is giving him sleepless nights

NICK Hewer has revealed the gruelling filming schedule for Countdown has given him insomnia.

The team record five episodes at once and Nick, 73, says he can't sleep because he keeps seeing blue cards with white numbers and letters when he tries to nod off.

Speaking to , he said: "I can't bloody sleep after a day at Countdown.

"The only thing about Countdown that I don’t like is that my mind is spinning at the end of a day. We do five a day and you see all these numbers and words spinning around.

“We have got to keep up the energy level.

“We are doing 260 episodes a year. They have upped it.”

Nick also wants the show, which is co-hosted by Rachel Riley, to have a prime time slot on Channel 4.

He has presented the show since 2011 when he took over from Jeff Stelling.

He said: “I used to say to Jay Hunt who used to run Channel 4: ‘Why cant we go on later in the afternoon?’

"And she said: ‘No. We are a well established show which has a recognisable audience to kick off the afternoon.’

“I say 5pm is nice, but I am not complaining. We are very proud of the show. I will keep doing it as long as I can. I am honoured.”

Richard Whiteley hosted the show from its launch in 1982 until he died suddenly in 2005.

Carol Vorderman presented the show until 2009 when she was replaced by Riley.

Nick may have trouble sleeping but Rachel recently opened up about attending wild parties at Jimmy Carr's house.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.