Where is Nick Hewer on Countdown today?
Nick Hewer stepped down from Countdown after 10 years (Picture: Channel 4)  Countdown will be looking a little different from today, as Nick Hewer will no longer be hosting the programme. On Friday June 25, former Apprentice star Nick made his final appearance on Countdown after first taking up the role a decade ago. The 76-year-old presenter and former Apprentice assistant presented the much-loved show for 10 years of its 32-year run. But theres a lot of changes going on in the series, and Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner and maths whizz Rachel Riley are going to have to deal with someone new taking the reins. Heres what you need to know. The 76-year-old host announced his retirement from Countdown in a heartwarming statement in December, declaring he was going to smell the flowers and get a dog. Nick retired from the show (Picture: Channel 4)  Nick tweeted that the time had come for him to say goodbye to the show permanently. He wrote: Ive decided its 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 its time to smell the flowers and get a dog.  But let me now take the opportunity to say that its been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record holder, he continued. Although Ill be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes, all 250 or so a year. What a surprise to find a big bunch of flowers and a bottle of bubbly at my door today  from the Countdown team  for my last show. Thanks a million to a great team and a big thank you to all those who sent their best wishes to me as I begin my search for a pair of slippers.  Nick Hewer (@Nick_Hewer) June 25, 2021  My wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us.  Finally, he added: A sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot.  In his emotional final episode of the show, he thanked cohosts Susie and Rachel. He said: Its been a pleasure working with you guys, Susie and Rachel, its been a real pleasure. In February, it was confirmed that Anne Robinson would be replacing Nick as the new host of Countdown. Anne will join Rachel and Susie as the programmes sixth host and the first female to sit behind the desk. Anne is a journalist and TV presenter, best known for her spiky attitude hosting the BBC quiz show The Weakest Link  shes already been a bit cheeky towards her predecessor. Nick Hewer has expressed his hope that viewers will be generous towards new host Anne Robinson when she takes over from him after his last show. He is to be replaced by Anne on Monday, who has vowed to be kinder to the Countdown competitors after striking fear in the hearts of Weakest Link players during her tenure on the programme. Her first episode will be aired on June 28. Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page  wed love to hear from you. MORE : Anne Robinson doesnt want Countdown contestants to be terrified of her Weakest Link persona: I want to be able to play with them  MORE : Anne Robinson begs Countdown bosses to book more female contestants