'I think it's time to smell the flowers and get a dog': Nick Hewer quits Countdown after 10 years on the show
Countdown presenter Nick Hewer has announced he is quitting the show after nearly 10 years as host of the Channel 4 show.
He said on Twitter that the latest lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic had allowed him to "consider" his future life.
The former The Apprentice star said he would not be renewing his contract for January as he approaches his 77th birthday adding: "I think it’s time to smell the flowers and get a dog."
But he said it had been a "pleasure and a privilege to take the helm of Countdown".
He said: “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, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think it’s time to smell the flowers and get a dog.
“But let me now take the opportunity to say that it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record holder.”
Hewer recently took a break from filming to shield from Covid-19 at home and was replaced by BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Colin Murray.
However, it is not yet clear who will take his seat on the long-running programme.
The presenter wished his successor luck, writing: “And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as I’ve enjoyed.”
He thanked Channel 4 and his “wonderfully talented” co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley among others.
Responding to his announcement, Ms Riley joked: "Time to get a bingo list of things you need to slip into the show while you’re hosting."
Susie Dent tweeted: "The voice of a gentleman who will be sadly missed."
In November, Mr Hewer announced that he would not be hosting Countdown while lockdown measures remained in place across the UK.
He joined the show, which debuted in 1982 and has seen multiple presenting line-ups, in 2012, taking over from sports presenter Jeff Stelling.
Formerly a public relations consultant, Mr Hewer met ex-Amstrad owner Lord Sugar through work and eventually joined him as an adviser on The Apprentice on BBC One, launching a career on TV.
Lord Sugar said on Twitter: "Well done Nick. You work too hard and produced some good stuff for me and countdown.
"Good decision now enjoy yourself instead of driving up and down the motorway every week. All the best from Alan + Ann."