Carol Vorderman is among the famous faces tipped to replace Nick Hewer on Countdown after the host made the decision to step down following his 10-year stint.
On Monday, the 76-year-old host confirmed his retirement from the Channel 4 programme in a heartwarming statement declaring he was going to ‘smell the flowers and get a dog’.
However, since his announcement, the rumours have been circulating as to who could replace him.
Carol, who co-hosted the game show for 26 years from 1982 until 2008, is the top choice for his replacement, according to the bookies.
Bookmaker Coral puts Carol’s return at odds of 3/1.
‘Countdown will have a new permanent host in the New Year but we think it could be a familiar face. We make Carol Vorderman 3-1 to complete a sensational return to the show as host,’ explained. Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Claire Balding (4-1), Sandi Toksvig (6-1), Ben Shepherd and Davina McCall (both 8-1) are other among the contenders, with Alexander Armstrong at odds of 16-1 and Richard Osman at 25-1.
Nick returned to filming the series today after shielding due to coronavirus, with Rachel Riley explaining he had been temporarily replaced earlier this year as he was considered ‘vulnerable’.
But to mark his return, he tweeted that the time had come for him to say goodbye to the show permanently.
He wrote: ‘Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life.
‘I’ve decided it’s a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year.
‘As someone in his 77th year, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think it’s time to smell the flowers and get a dog.’
‘But let me now take the opportunity to say that it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record holder,’ he continued.
‘Although I’ll be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes, all 250 or so a year.
‘My wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us.’
Finally, he added: ‘A sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot.
‘And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as I’ve enjoyed.’
Countdown airs weekdays on Channel 4.
Credit: Original article published here.
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