Countdown switch up due to Covid sees Les Dennis make his debut with ex Corrie co-star

Les Dennis made his debut hosting Countdown earlier this afternoon, with the unexpected role reuniting him with former Coronation Street co-star Daniel Brocklebank.

The latest episode of the Channel 4 game show saw Les, 68, in the host seat - with him temporarily taking over from Colin Murray, 45, for several episodes due to air this month.

Les explained on the show earlier: "I was due today to be over in 'Dictionary Corner' [...] but sadly [Colin] has fallen foul of the dreaded Covid, so has to stay home and isolate."

He therefore stepped in as host instead, which meant there was a vacancy for someone to work with Susie Dent, 57, in 'Dictionary Corner' - with Daniel, 42, filling the spot.

Les Dennis began his stint as host of Countdown today (Channel 4)

Daniel - best known for playing Billy Mayhew on the ITV soap - announced his involvement on Instagram earlier, sharing a photo of his name on the door of a dressing room.

He told fans: "I'm hugely excited to say that today starts my guest appearances on Countdown in dictionary corner with the fabulous Susie Dent and my pal Les Dennis hosting."

He was joined by former Corrie co-star Daniel Brocklebank, who was a guest in 'Dictionary Corner' (Channel 4)

The actor had joined Coronation Street in 2014, which is the same year that Les had made his debut as Michael Rodwell on the ITV soap. They were co-stars until Les left in 2016.

Daniel referenced his character Billy - who is a vicar - after being introduced on Countdown, saying: "I'm hoping God is on my side today because I haven't got a clue either."

Daniel had teased his appearance on social media (danielbrocklebank/Instagram)

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Les had said: "I was due to be in 'Dictionary Corner' so not only am I here by accident, but joining us at the last minute [in that guest spot] is my friend [...] Daniel Brocklebank."

Colin - who's been fronting the show since Anne Robinson, 77, stepped down - praised his temporary replacement in a post on Twitter earlier this afternoon amid his absence.

Les is a temporary replacement for Colin Murray (Channel 4)

He tweeted: "My recent bout of Covid has me away [...] for a few weeks but stay tuned in. [Les] and Jenny Eclair stepped in like the legends they are and episodes are great."

Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4. You can catch up on previous episodes of the show through All4.

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