‘I have to make it mine!'

Anne Robinson on putting her stamp on C4’s ever-popular daytime game show

- STEVEN PERKINS

COUNTDOWN MONDAY-FRIDAY / C4 / 2.10PM / GAME SHOW

Anne Robinson famously earned the nickname ‘Queen of Mean’ for her steely glare and withering put-downs while hosting the BBC’s popular quiz, Weakest Link.

So, we must admit, it came as a surprise back in February when C4 announced she would be taking the helm of its gentle daytime game show, Countdown, following Nick Hewer’s decision to step down after nearly a decade in the hot seat.

Anne makes her debut this Monday, and when TV Times calls her for a chat about her new job, it’s clear it hasn’t mellowed her in the slightest! In fact, her razor-sharp wit is as cutting as ever – and (delightfully!) we’re no safer from her acerbic observations than a contestant would be.

Here, Anne, 76, reveals why she couldn’t resist when Countdown came calling…

What made you want to be the show’s new presenter?

I’d had a modest amount of offers from, I think, all the channels – several that I didn’t fancy doing. Then Countdown came along, and I thought, ‘That would be really satisfying and enjoyable’. It seemed quite a good fit.

I’ve had all those years thinking on my feet, and it looked like an opportunity to interview the contestants and guests, and be a bit waspish. I tend to do The Times crossword, so I’m not completely hopeless at anagrams. Less good at mental arithmetic.

How did you prepare for this job?