Richard Osman tipped to replace Anne Robinson on Countdown after BBC Pointless exit

dailystar.co.uk:

BBC Pointless star Richard Osman is currently favourite to replace Anne Robinson on Countdown.Anne, 77, announced she will be taking a step back from the Channel 4 show to spend some quality time with her family on Monday (May 2).She joined the quiz show last year, becoming its sixth presenter and the first woman to don the title.Former The Weakest Link host Anne took over from Nick Hewer last year but who will follow in her footsteps?Richard, 51, recently announced his departure from Pointless after 13 years and he's now bookies favourite to land the Countdown job.Bookmakers have novelist and comedian Richard odds on at 3/1 to become the new host.While former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Susan Calman and comedian Alex Horne are both currently at 4/1.Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The latest odds suggest Channel 4 chiefs could make a move for Pointless' exit-bound Richard Osman - although Susan Calman and Alex Horne are right up there as likely Anne Robinson replacements."Despite having only stayed a year in the role, Anne has already filmed a whopping 265 episodes.In a statement, the TV personality 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."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."She went on to add: "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.A spokesperson for Countdown said: "Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic.