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image captionAnne Robinson is to become the first female host of Countdown

TV presenter Anne Robinson is to be the new host of Countdown, Channel 4 have confirmed.

She will become the game show's first female host in its 39-year history when she replaces Nick Hewer later this year.

Robinson, 76, well known for her acerbic wit on BBC quiz show The Weakest Link, said she was "beyond thrilled" to be joining Countdown.

"The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic," she joked.

Her appointment was announced on Monday's episode of Steph's Packed Lunch.

The announcement comes after Nick Hewer confirmed in December that he would be departing Countdown after a decade in the hot seat.

image captionRobinson will replace former BBC Apprentice advisor Nick Hewer as host

In a series of tweets, Hewer said coronavirus lockdown had made him reconsider his career path.

Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life and I’ve decided it’s a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year.As someone in his 77th year,