Colin Murray is reportedly set to replace Anne Robinson on 'Countdown'.
Colin Murray will step into the role
The 43-year-old presenter - who previously guest hosted 33 episodes in 2021 with Nick Hewer had to shield during the pandemic - is said to have started filing episodes of the Channel 4 quiz show this week following Anne's sudden exit last week after a year in the role.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Colin has agreed to be a stand-in host for us, which is brilliant news.
“He knows the team and gets on really well with Rachel, they are good friends off screen.
"No one knows what is going to happen beyond the autumn in terms of hosting, but if Colin does want the job, he is in the right place to show why he should get it.”
If Colin does end up landing the job on a permanent basis, he will follow an illustrious list of presenters including Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O'Connor, Jeff Stelling, Nick and Anne.
Meanwhile, recent reports suggested Carol Vorderman - who was in charge of the letters and numbers on the show, the same job Rachel Riley does now - is wanted back on 'Countdown' to replace the departing host.
The 61-year-old star has said it would be "an honour" to return to the programme, but she appeared to distance herself from a return to the programme full-time, wishing the person who replaces Anne "all the love".
Anne - who became the first woman to take the helm when she took on the role last year - confirmed she quit the show because she wants to "enjoy" spending more time with her grandchildren and at her New York apartment.
She said: "I have had a blast - we have taken the ratings up and transformed the guests too.
"We no longer have northern newsreaders in Dictionary Corner - we have had a raft of top celebrities.
"But I have made up my mind to quit the show. I only signed on for a year and I have helped them out by doing about 40 shows more than my contract.
"I am moving on because I’ve got a lot going on – grandchildren, a big garden, an apartment in New York - and I want to enjoy them. 'Countdown' has taken up more of time than I thought it would."
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