Countdown’s Anne Robinson has revealed she is already eyeing up a new job after quitting her presenter role on the Channel 4 quiz show.
The former Weakest Link host announced she would be leaving the programme and said she hoped that her role made TV bosses realise that not all woman her age are “in care homes playing bingo”.
Anne, who will appear on Countdown until summer, hinted that she might not completely stay off our television screens.
She told the Daily Mail: “I quite fancy a job share with Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. I mean, who needs a monopoly of blokes mansplaining football on a Saturday afternoon?”
(Image: Channel 4)
And she ruled out doing reality TV, saying: “I have learned a new lesson which is saying ‘No’. I’m not going on Strictly, I’m not going to the jungle [for I’m A Celebrity], I’m not doing Pointless and I’m not doing MasterChef.
“The channels have upped their game with ethnic diversity, but there’s not much evidence of putting older women on screen.”
(Image: Channel 4)
The 77-year-old joined Countdown in June 2021, replacing Nick Hewer who quit the show after 10 years.
Anne, who first appeared as a guest in Dictionary Corner in 1987, became the show’s sixth presenter and recorded 265 episodes.
Speaking about her decision to leave, she 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.”
(Image: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)
She added: “I hope too I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.
“In fact the genius of Countdown is that it’s a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5k 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.”
Channel 4 said a new host for the show will be announced in due course.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
