When is Anne Robinson's first Countdown episode? Start date and how to watch
Anne Robinson will be the first ever woman to host Channel 4's long-running game show
Rachel Riley, Anne Robinson and Susie Dent line up for the first all-female presented Countdown (Photo: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)
By Joanna Whitehead
June 15, 2021 3:16 pm(Updated 3:30 pm)
Countdown, the classic British game show involving letter and number tasks, is set to gain a new presenter in the form of Anne Robinson.
Existing host Nick Hewer will hand over the reigns to the former Weakest Link presenter, with viewers mixed about what her arrival on the show will mean.
But when does the acerbic TV personality take over – and what can we expect?
Your guide to what to watch next - no spoilers, we promise
Here's everything you need to know.
When does Anne Robinson start Countdown?
Anne Robinson in 2009 (Photo: Indigo/Getty Images)
The ex-Watchdog presenter's first show as host of Countdown will air on 28 June 2021 on Channel 4.
She joins Rachel Riley and Susie Dent to comprise the show's first all-women line-up since its inception in 1982.
The two women joined the team in 2012 with Hewer, who announced he would be stepping down in December 2020.
What has Anne Robinson said about her new role?
Robinson, 76, is the first woman to present Countdown.
Speaking to Steph McGovern about her new role, she said: "I'm very excited, I want to rename it 'Three Clever Girls do Countdown'.
"The thing is that Susie and Rachel are very clever, very young, very pretty and much thinner than me."
She added: "I love anagrams, I do The Times crossword every day."
Anne Robinson mocked my sexuality and sex life on Weakest Link, should she really host Countdown?
The former Points of View presenter described her appointment as one in the eye "for all those balding ageing male presenters on TV paired with a female presenter half their age. I want to show women that the only thing stopping them from doing and wearing what they want is their own caution".
What have Riley and Dent said about Robinson's appointment?
Rachel Riley in 2017 (Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Mathematics whiz Riley said filming with Anne had been "very lively".
She said: "It's been really fun watching Anne very quickly find her feet and seeing the contestants in the new groove with her.
"She's not shy of asking funny questions and responses ranged from comedy to not looking at her and hoping she doesn't see them.
"It's been very lively."
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Dent, who runs Dictionary Corner, expressed happiness at working with Robinson again after the two co-starred on the 2005 BBC IQ Series Test The Nation.
She said: "I'm so pleased to be able to work with Anne again. She's going to be a wonderful addition to the Countdown team."
When does Nick Hewer's final Countdown show air?
Nick Hewer is stepping down from Countdown after 10 years (Photo: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)
The former Apprentice advisor's last show will be on 25 June.
The 77-year-old has had the longest presenting run on the show since Richard Whiteley.
Writing on Twitter last year, he said: "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 and 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."
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 and 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,
— Nick Hewer (@Nick_Hewer) December 7, 2020
He added that it had been "a privilege and a pleasure" hosting the show.
"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.
"And 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."
How can I watch Countdown?
Countdown airs on Channel 4 at 2.10pm every weekday. It's also available to stream on All4.
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