Countdown’s New Era: Colin Murray Bags Permanent Host Spot
Countdown is enjoying a major comeback, with December 2022 delivering its best month-to-month audience share in over ten years. Now, the show has confirmed what fans hoped for — Colin Murray is the new permanent host.
Colin revealed the big news live on Steph’s Packed Lunch, the Channel 4 midday show he’s fronted since summer 2022. “It’s a career dream to be named permanent anchor of one of television’s most iconic shows,” he said. “I’ve been a fan from day one, a member of the ‘1’ for over a decade, appeared on Dictionary Corner, and now I have the honour of leading it into its fifth decade.”
Ready to Take Countdown to New Heights
Colin doesn’t just want to keep Countdown on air — he wants to supercharge it. “We’ve seen steady rises during my caretaker stint, and nearly a million tuned in for the December finale. That’s just the start.”
The host added: “Countdown is more than numbers and letters — it’s brilliant afternoon entertainment that connects all ages across the UK. Rachel, Susie, and I are buzzing about the year ahead. If you haven’t watched for a while, come on down and say hello. Everyone’s invited.”
Channel 4 and Producers Back the New Dream Team
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Head of Daytime & 1, shared: “Fans have spoken — many wrote in loving Colin’s vibe. We’re thrilled he’s staying on alongside lexicographer Susie Dent and maths whiz Rachel Riley MBE.”
Peter Gwyn, Executive Producer at Lifted Entertainment, added: “Colin’s endless energy, infectious passion, and genuine love for the show have struck a chord with viewers. He, Rachel, and Susie make the perfect trio to drive Countdown forward.”
Countdown: A British TV Institution Turns 40
- One of the world’s longest-running quiz shows
- Produced by Lifted Entertainment, ITV Studios’ division
- First programme aired on Channel 4, debuting 40 years ago
- Over 7,000 episodes broadcast to date
- Colin joins as the seventh permanent host, following Anne Robinson’s 2022 exit
- Past hosts include Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling, and Nick Hewer
- 40th anniversary specials featured celebrity guest hosts like Baroness Floella Benjamin and Sir Trevor McDonald
Countdown airs weekdays at 2:10pm on Channel 4. With Colin at the helm, fans can expect plenty more number-crunching thrills.
