New host Colin Murray has spoken out on the changes (Picture: PA/Channel 4)
Countdown’s newest host Colin Murray may not have recorded episodes with previous presenter Anne Robinson, but he has commented on the difference in atmosphere since her departure.
Anne, 78, joined the Channel 4 show in 2021 but left last year after just 265 episodes, with Colin subsequently taking her place.
The 46-year-old host has now revealed his thoughts on the change, while remaining fairly diplomatic.
‘The atmosphere has changed and that’s huge,’ he simply said.
The presenter also added to The Mirror that he’s never met Anne, who was previously best-known for presenting The Weakest Link.
It was reported that Anne didn’t get on with some of the team during her run, particularly mathematics expert Rachel Riley.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘It’s safe to say there’s no love lost.’
Anne Robinson was previously at the helm of Countdown (Picture: Channel 4)
During a previous appearance on Piers Morgan: Uncensored, Anne herself was pressed by Piers, 58, to address the rumours of a rift.
When Piers bluntly said, ‘You just didn’t get on with her,’ in response to Anne complimenting Rachel’s maths skills she said: ‘No, I didn’t not get on with her, but some performers like a lot of noise around them before they go on air and others like me, who are trying to get their contestants to remember what their hobbies are, would like some quiet while she’s doing that.
‘So it was important to me that we took her mic off.’
Rachel, 37, spoke about Anne while she was still at the helm of the show on Lorraine.
She said: ‘[Anne’s] not the cuddliest person in the world, but it’s just a different show now, she’s making it her own.
Colin, Rachel and Susi are now in control of the show (Picture: PA)
‘She’s getting some stuff out of the contestants – sometimes it’s barbed, sometimes it’s funny, it’s just got a different flavour.’
During his interview, Colin also discussed his journey to getting his dream job.
He previously filled in as host on Countdown after Nick Hewer left before the top job was given to Anne. When they asked him to once again fill in the gap he said ‘no.’
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‘I couldn’t bear the thought of just being a one-night stand again. It would have been professionally heartbreaking. I think my words were, “You’ve got to give me a run of three months”.’
His ultimatum paid off, and he’s been hosting Countdown since the summer of 2022 with no signs of slowing down.
Countdown is on weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.
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‘The atmosphere has changed and that’s huge.’