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You're hired! Countdown conundrum solved as The Apprentice's Nick Hewer lined up to be new host

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:52 AM on 16th November 2011


He may be used to critiquing wannabe business stars as Lord Alan Sugar's right-hand man on The Apprentice, but now it's Nick Hewer's turn to be the fresh face in a new job, taking over as Countdown's chief presenter.

TV bosses were facing a conundrum over who to replace Jeff Stelling in the hosting seat of the maths and number programme, but 67-year-old Hewer has now solved the problem for them.

He saw off competition from TV favourites Sir Terry Wogan, Liza Tarbuck, Aled Jones, Sue Barker, Rory Bremner and Countdown regular Gyles Brandreth to land the coveted role.
Out with the old in with the new: Nick Hewer has seen off heavy competition to take over from Jeff Stelling as Countdown host

Stelling, who was the show's fourth host, is leaving the Channel 4 programme to concentrate on presenting football on Sky Sports.

Countdown conundrum: What is C4 to do about its one million missing viewers?

He reportedly changed his mind and tried to do a U-turn only to be told by show chiefs they were looking for a new host.

Hewer will now act as main host of the game show, appearing alongside 25-year-old maths beauty Rachel Riley, who took over from Carol Vorderman in January, 2009 to kick start the 60th series.
Old look: Nick Hewer will now stand alongside current co-presenter Rachel Riley

Old look: Nick Hewer will now stand alongside current co-presenter Rachel Riley instead of Jeff Stelling

A Channel 4 spokesperson says: 'We are absolutely delighted to have Nick on board. He is such a fantastic character and has a huge fan base so he'll make a great addition to the team.'

The father of two spent 21 years working for Lord Sugar's Amstrad plc before he started working as the entrepreneur's advisor on BBC1's The Apprentice in 2005.

He originally refused to star in the popular business talent series, insisting he didn't 'crave the limelight.'
How we're used to seeing him: Nick Hewer's coming out from behind Lord Sugar's shadow

He will begin filming the new series of Countdown next month, ready for it to air in January.

The deal means Hewer will still be able to maintain his role on The Apprentice, while he intends to travel from his luxury home in Northamptonshire to Leeds, where the programme is filmed.

Previous presenters in the show's 30-year history include the late Richard Whitely, Des Lynam and Des O'Connor, who was replaced by Stelling in 2009.

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