Anne Robinson is to step down as the presenter for Channel Four quiz show Countdown.
Ms Robinson – said to earn £500,000 for hosting the programme – quipped:
“I’ve had a blast – but it’s time for an older woman to take the reins”.
Ms Robinson is aged 77.
She is Countdown’s sixth presenter and its first woman to be the main host.
She added:
“I hope I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their 70s 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 5km 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.”
Ms Robinson, a former Daily Mirror editor, recorded 265 Countdown shows.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said:
“Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic show.”
