Richard Osman has responded to rumours he's the frontrunner to becoming the new host of Countdown after quitting Pointless.
The Taskmaster star shared an article on his Twitter account that stated his odds for taking over Anne Robinson's role.
"I keep reading I'm the favourite to be the new Countdown host. But there are 3 problems," he tweeted.
"1. I just gave up a show I love because I have no time. 2. @susiedent and I are mortal enemies. 3. They should give the job to @ColinMurray."
Former BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Colin Murray temporarily presented the show in 2020 and 2021 when Nick Hewer, who was the host at the time, had to take time off due to COVID.
He was a favourite to take over from Hewer until The Weakest Link's Anne Robinson was named, as she became the first woman to ever host the show since it started in 1982.
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Speaking of her decision to leave the programme, Robinson said she'd had a "wonderful time" adding: "I hope too I've encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their 70s are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.
Related: Countdown's Anne Robinson responds to claims of a feud with Rachel Riley
"In fact the genius of Countdown is that it's a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5km most days of the week. And I can now do an anagram at twice the speed I could this time last year.
"But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention."
Meanwhile, Osman announced he would no longer be hosting Pointless alongside Alexander Armstrong, but would stick around for the celebrity specials.
"After 13 wonderful years I'm leaving daytime Pointless, to concentrate on writing. Will still be doing the celebrity shows and House of Games," he wrote.
"It has been the GREATEST pleasure and I can't wait to start watching as a viewer. Thank you to everyone!"
He added: "Will miss the whole team, especially the incomparable @XanderArmstrong. Thank you to everyone who watches, it really has been a dream, and I know the show will continue to go from strength to strength."
Countdown airs weekday afternoons on Channel 4. Pointless airs on BBC One.
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Catherine is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, and was the site's News Editor between 2018 and 2024. Prior to that, she worked at OK! Online, and has interviewed a slew of celebrities across her career in entertainment news, including Tom Hanks, Cheryl and Noel Fielding. Catherine also has specialist knowledge in all things drag, interviewing a huge portion of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, and getting her own drag makeover for Channel 4's show Drag SOS. LinkedIn
