Countdown host Nick Hewer announces he is leaving the show after 10 years

Countdown host Nick Hewer has announced he will leave the hit gameshow after 10 years at the helm.

The presenter, who took over from Sky Sports journalist Jeff Stelling in 2011 before his first episode was broadcast in 2012, said in a statement that the COVID-19 lockdown had made him think about what he wants to do in the future.

Posting on Twitter, Hewer 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."

Hewer said it had been "a privilege and a pleasure" hosting the Guinness world record-holding show and that he would still be on screen "well into 2021".

He continued: "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, 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.

"And 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."

Hewer finished with a message for his successor, who is yet to be announced: "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."

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A gameshow about words and numbers, Countdown was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982, with Whiteley hosting and Carol Vorderman assisting with the sums.

Since Whiteley's death in 2005, presenters have included Des Lynam and the late Des O'Connor, as well as Stelling and Hewer, 76, who has had the longest run since the original host.

During his decade presenting the show he has worked with Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner and Rachel Riley doing the maths.

Before Countdown, Hewer spent 10 years as an adviser to Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice.