Anne Robinson quits ‘Countdown’ after a year

Anne Robinson is stepping down as the host of Countdown after one year “in the hot seat”.

The former Weakest Link host, 77, joined the Channel 4 quiz show last year, becoming its sixth presenter and the first female to take the role.

Ms Robinson, who recorded 265 episodes of the show, said: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins.”

She added: “I hope, too, I’ve encouraged television bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their 70s are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.”