Colin Murray to host Channel 4’s Countdown

Northern Irish radio and TV presenter Colin Murray is to temporarily replace Nick Hewer as host of the popular Channel 4 programme Countdown, as the former 76-year-old Apprenctice star shields at home during the Covid-19 lockown.
By Helen McGurk
Published 10th Nov 2020, 11:51 BST
Presenter Colin Murray is to temporarily replace Nick Hewer on CountdownPresenter Colin Murray is to temporarily replace Nick Hewer on Countdown
Presenter Colin Murray is to temporarily replace Nick Hewer on Countdown

However, Murray, who has previously guested on the series’s Dictionary Corner and is a self-proclaimed Countdown fanatic wount’s be appearing on screens for a week or two as some episodies of the popular letters and numbers quiz show have already been filmed.

Taking to Twitter early this week, Nick Hewer announced the news and joked that he would have liked to continue on the show, but his family have ‘handcuffed me to a radiator.’

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He tweeted: ‘Good luck to Colin Murray, popular dictionary corner guest and Countdown fanatic, who takes over from me as host today and for the rest of Covid Lockdown recordings (although I’ll still be on your screens for a week or two) as this 76 year old shields at home...in spite of the amazing military-style safety protocols put in place by ITV Studios and Channel 4.”

He continued: “Between you and me, I’d have confidently carried on, but the family has handcuffed me to a radiator, saying ‘you’re not going anywhere’. So have fun Colin and keep my chair warm for me.”

Responding to Nick’s comments, Colin, 43, tweeted: “That’s so very kind of you and much appreciated! You have calmed my nerves somewhat, so thank you!

“I shall make sure to keep your dressing room spotless! Love to the family Red heart.”

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Nick’s co-host Rachel Riley said: “Stay safe TV husband! And good luck temporary TV boyfriend @ColinMurray.”

Regular guest Jenny Eclair tweeted: “I’m booked for the end of the month - I will miss you so much Nick - I look forward to our chats hugely x.”

While Rory Bremner wished Colin luck and sent well wishes to Nick, commenting: “Stay safe! And good luck to the lovely @ColinMurray.”

Production on Countdown was halted in May amid the coronavirus pandemic, but resumed filming in July with Nick in the hot seat.

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Colin Murray was born and raised in Dundonald’s Ballybeen estate. He was educated at the Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, and later at Dundonald High School.

He first trained and worked as a news jounralist, with a stint at the News Letter.

He has worked on Radio 1, hosted Match of the Day and anchored shows on BBC 5 Live, including 5 Live Sport and Fighting Talk.

In 2007 he was named ‘Music Broadcaster of the Year’ at the Sony Radio Academy Awards.

Related topics:Colin MurrayChannel 4