Anne Robinson’s shocking decision to quit British game show Countdown has created a wave of responses – not all of which were praising.
The television presenter’s decision to leave the Channel 4 show reportedly led to a sigh of relief from her colleagues, including none other than Rachel Riley and Susie Dent.
The alleged drama between the co-stars is said to have left bosses fearful that they might quit with its highest audience share since 2012.
The 77-year-old complained that maths expert Rachel and Dictionary expert Susie were “too noisy”, according to The Mirror.
One insider said: “Everyone is so relieved, to be honest. It’s all been a bit of a disaster with the fallouts and squabbles, we just want to draw a line under it and move on.”
(Image: Channel 4)
However, Anne has insisted that ideas of a rift between the colleagues had been exaggerated.
She admitted: “She is noisy, she and Susie both are – they are a formidable pair. But there isn’t a question of my going because of a rift, that’s nonsense.”
For her part, Rachel is said to have found The Weakest Link icon Anne “difficult and mean”.
(Image: Rachel Joseph/ Channel 4)
Anne told bosses last week that she would not be renewing her one-year contract, which she reportedly bagged for a whopping £500,000, telling them that it took up too much time.
On Tuesday, several fans shared their thoughts on the television host leaving with front-runners to replace her including Richard Osman – who recently quit Pointless, Sir Trevor McDonald, and Fiona Bruce.
One former viewer penned: “I hate the way she mocks contestants.” Another added: “I might start watching again if they get a decent replacement. She was awful.”
(Image: Channel 4)
However, the former Weakest Link presenter received support from celebrity friends including Carol Volderman – who supported her following the news of her departure.
The popular presenter offered her best wishes to the star, having even appeared on the popular show herself for 26 years between 1982 and 2008.
Carol, 61, shared a heartfelt message and wrote: “Awwwww… lovely Countdown. Hope you enjoyed it immensely Anne.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Anne – who is staying on Countdown until the Summer – revealed that she would be departing the programme after 265 episodes to take on something new instead.
The host even hinted at a new career change, 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?”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
