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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Phoebe Jobling

Former ITV Coronation Street star to host Channel 4's Countdown after Anne Robinson quits

A former Coronation Street star has announced he is set to step in as the host of Countdown later this year. Comedian Les Dennis, who starred as Michael Rodwell in the ITV soap between 2014 and 2016 will present the Channel 4 game show this August.

Countdown is currently being presented by radio host Colin Murray who is temporarily filling in for Anne Robinson after she announced she was stepping down from her role earlier this year. The former The Weakest Link host Anne filmed her last episode of Countdown earlier this month having presented the show for one year.

Actor and TV presenter Les Dennis is no stranger to hosting game shows after fronting ITV's Family Fortunes from 1987 until 2002. He then went on to play Michael, one of Gail Platt's many husbands, before he had a heart attack and was left for dead by the evil Pat Phelan.

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Les has now revealed he will front Countdown for a stint in August, where he'll watch contestants try to outsmart their rivals by displaying their mathematic ability.

Taking to Twitter, @LesDennis announced: " From 4th August until 15th I shall be hosting the iconic @C4Countdown. It is such an honour. Hope you enjoy."

Les Dennis will take the reigns on Countdown (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The 68-year-old also appeared on Ricky Gervais' Extras and appeared in the second series of the Celebrity Big Brother. At this time his marriage to Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden was breaking down. Les went on to finish as runner-up to Mark Owen.

The news comes after Anne quit the Channel 4 show after alleged tension between herself and Rachel Riley on set.

The Mirror revealed in May that Countdown cast were said to be "relieved" over Anne's decision to leave after alleged spats with Rachel and Susie Dent left bosses fearful they might quit.

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