Is Anne Robinson the best choice for Countdown?

WHY has Anne Robinson been made the new host of Countdown? This will mean three females in charge of this wonderful programme. Are there no young male presenters with character and sparkle? The fun and friendly Colin Murray did a wonderful job standing in for Nick Hewer so why wasn’t he considered as the new host? I’ve watched Countdown since the first show, been a contestant and attended the Channel 4 party to celebrate 1,000 episodes. But I will stop tuning in if Anne Robinson is hosting. The show needs a male host for balance, someone young and a bit cheeky.

Mrs VIV JONES, Evesham, Worcs.

IT APPEARS that the definition of diversity is to remove the men.

JOHN VARLEY, Doncaster, S. Yorks.

I AM delighted Anne Robinson is the new Countdown host. I enjoy this TV quiz, but until now it’s never been a must-see. However, I will record every edition with Anne in the chair. I believe this charismatic lady will turn out to be the show’s most popular host.

KEN HOBBINS, Birmingham.

AT A time when there is an emphasis on the need for niceness in society, why give the Countdown job to someone who has made a virtue of heaping bile on others?

TERRY HICKMAN, Southampton, Hants.

I WAS a winning contestant on The

Weakest Link and agree Anne Robinson was formidable. For Countdown she admits she is up against two smarter and younger ladies and won’t have time for more face-lifts. So why doesn’t she retire and give us and her face a rest?

JIM CORNWELL, Tenby, Pembs.

THE lovely Nick Hewer would be a hard act to follow, but is Anne Robinson really the best Channel 4 could come up with?

Mrs S. BROWN, Loughborough, Leics.

THE feminisation of British TV continues with an all-female Countdown. Can you imagine the outcry if it was an all-male show? Sexism seems to function only one way.

PAUL SIMPSON, London SE13.