Colin Murray has been appointed Countdown’s new permanent presenter after acting as ‘caretaker’ for the Channel 4 program for the past half year.
The 45-year-old reality star has been helming the long-running game show since Anne Robinson stepped down last summer.
The news was announced at Steph’s Packed Lunch on Wednesday, with Colin admitting that “it’s a career dream.”
Standing still: Colin Murray has been appointed Countdown’s new permanent presenter after acting as ‘caretaker’ for the Channel 4 show for the past half a year.
Channel 4’s head of daytime programs and specials, Jo Street, said the broadcaster had “listened to the fans” and decided to keep him as their “permanent host”.
Before joining Countdown full-time, the host was featured in its Dictionary Corner.
He then replaced Nick Hewer as host during England’s second coronavirus lockdown as Hewer, now 78, was unable to travel to the set.
Colin returned to Countdown as host in July 2022 following Robinson’s departure. Anne, 78, joined the show in 2021 and became the first main presenter.
After the news was announced, Colin said: “It’s a career dream to be named permanent host of one of the most iconic shows on television.”
“I’ve been a fan since day one, been a part of the family for over a decade, being featured in Dictionary Corner, and now I’m honored to lead it into a fifth decade. However, I don’t just want Countdown to survive, I want it to thrive.
Permanent: The TV star, 45, has been helming the long-running game show since Anne Robinson stepped down last summer.
“During my tenure as caretaker, we have seen more people tune in again, with close to one million (900,000) watching the series finale in December, and I want that to be just the beginning.
‘Countdown is a special show, and its stars will always be letters and numbers, but it’s more than that.
“Great afternoon company for people of all ages from all over the UK.”
Colin said that he, mathematician Rachel Riley and lexicographer Susie Dent are “very excited about next year”, adding: “If you haven’t seen it in a while, please drop by and join us.” Everyone is welcome.’
Anne, 77, revealed she resigned from Countdown over a pay dispute and admitted that despite being offered a raise, she did not want to join Channel 4’s payroll after working as a freelancer.
Alison Boshoff of The Daily Mail revealed that she would be leaving Countdown after just a year, with Anne adding that she has since smoothed the gap with co-stars Rachel and Susie.
Departure: Anne, 78, joined the show in 2021 and became the first main presenter before stepping down in July 2022.
Speaking to The Sun, he confessed: “I come from a long line of alcoholic Irish bandits, so to suggest PAYE is a bit like asking Philip Green or Richard Branson to join the company’s payroll.”
He was not interested in any offer on that basis. Even if it included financial parity. I’ll be missing out on the Channel 4 lunch vouchers though, which is a big regret.
Speaking to Emma Barnett on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, she admitted about the breakup with co-stars Rachel and Susie that she had been annoyed by their timekeeping and noise.
But then he said: ‘They are both brilliant at what they do. I mean they really, really are. Channel 4 is incredibly lucky to have them. And there is no crack.
‘It was me wanting everyone to be quiet in the studio. I like everyone to be on time and quiet, quiet, quiet. So we had to fix that. But that’s all.’
Anne continued: “I think we all came to an agreement that we would remove the microphones before making a record, which gave me time to chat with the contestants, that’s all, and remind them what their hobbies are.”
Describing Rachel, he said, “She’s brilliant in those numbers, what else can I say?”
Dream team: Colin said he, mathematician Rachel Riley, and lexicographer Susie Dent are “very excited for next year.”