Countdown: Anne Robinson leads the ‘Ladies of Countdown’ – First look

Countdown has been running for 39 years on Channel 4, but in 2021 the quiz show will have its first all-female presenting team.

Following in the footsteps of TV legends such as Richard Whitely, Des Lynam and Des O’Connor, journalist and broadcaster Anne Robinson takes over in the host’s chair.

"Three Girls Do Countdown - who wouldn't want to watch?” said Robinson, commenting on the all-female presenting team.

Who are the new Countdown presenters?

Anne Robinson is the new host of Countdown and is the first female host of Channel 4’s longest running series.

Previous presenters have included Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor and Jeff Stelling.

Most recently Nick Hewer has hosted the show with Colin Murray acting as the stand-in.

Robinson will be supported by Susie Dent, who has been part of the show’s Dictionary Corner since 1992, and Rachel Riley, who has looked after the numbers game since 2009.

When does Anne Robinson start on Countdown?

The first episode with Anne Robinson, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent will air on Monday, June 28th at 2.10pm on Channel 4.

Who is Anne Robinson?

Anne Robinson is a journalist and broadcaster, who has written for The Mirror, the Daily Mail, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

She presented BBC series Points of View between 1987 and 1997, consumer affairs series Watchdog and found international fame as the acerbic host of quiz show The Weakest Link in the UK and the US.

Reflecting on filming with Anne, Rachel Riley said: "It’s been really fun watching Anne very quickly find her feet in the Countdown studio and seeing the contestants in the new groove with her. She’s not shy of asking them funny questions and the responses have ranged from going into their own comedy routines to not looking directly at her and hoping she doesn’t see them - it’s been very lively!"

Susie Dent added: “I’m so pleased to be able to work with Anne again. She has been a heroine of mine ever since she gently rescued me from an embarrassing moment on my first bit of live TV. With her flair and wit, she’s going to be a wonderful addition to the Countdown team.”

Watch Anne Robinson’s Countdown from Monday, June 28^th at 2.10pm on Channel 4.