Sir Trevor McDonald will guest host 'Countdown' later this year.
Sir Trevor McDonald
The veteran broadcaster will front the Channel 4 show this autumn as part of the broadcaster's ‘Black to Front’ takeover, which aims to put Black talent in the spotlight.
In a statement, the 81-year-old newsreader said: "I am proud and delighted to be presenting Countdown on this special day; I have always enjoyed watching Countdown, a show that has been around for almost as long as I have!”
For one day only, Trevor will replace current 'Countdown' host Anne Robinson at the helm of the show, which is C4's longest running programme having been on the air since 1982.
He will be joined in the studio by poet and playwright Lemn Sissay - who will appear in Dictionary Corner - while maths prodigy Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, will be on hand during the numbers round.
Elsewhere, AJ Odudu and Mo Gilligan will join forces for a one-off revival of 'The Big Breakfast', which will be back in its original location of the Lock Keepers' Cottage in East London.
Former ‘Big Brother's Bit on the Side’ host AJ is clearly excited to be working alongside comedian Mo in bringing back the iconic breakfast show, which ran for a decade from 1992 to 2002 and featured the likes of Chris Evans, Gary Roslin, Johnny Vaughan, Denise Van Outen and the late Paula Yates.
The 33-year-old 'Don't Rock the Boat' star said: “I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into 'The Big Breakfast'. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back!
“I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation!
“I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s 'Black to Front' – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special. “
While Channel 4’s Deputy Director of Programmes Kelly Webb-Lamb wants 'Black to Front' to create a “lasting legacy across the UK TV industry”.
She added: “From the voices that introduce the shows to the people appearing on screen, across social and All 4, the entire day will be fronted by black talent and will tell the stories of Black British communities in a demonstration of black excellence.
“Behind the camera Channel 4 is working together with our production partners to shape ambitious and meaningful off-screen commitments, making sure that 'Black to Front' lives on beyond one day, accelerating careers and bringing about significant change that will leave a lasting legacy across the UK TV industry.”
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