The announcement came via a Countdown conundrum, revealed live on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

The formidable former question master of The Weakest Link is the first female host of the iconic programme.

Robinson will be joining wordsmith Susie Dent and number cruncher Rachel Riley on the show and will make her on-screen debut this summer.

Countdown was the first ever programme to broadcast on Channel 4 and has been on air since its launch in November 1982, making it one of the longest running quiz shows in the world.

Anne Robinson commented: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Countdown. The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. I am particularly excited to be working alongside the Show’s two other formidable women. Worryingly, Susie and Rachel are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me. Sadly, there’s no time for another face lift so I'll have make do with this old one.

“Three Clever Girls Do Countdown! Don’t you love the sound of that? I am a crossword nut so the Countdown’s conundrums I can make sense of. But the adding up and taking away  - I can't go much further than working out the fee once my agent takes his cut.”

Channel 4’s Head of Daytime, Jo Street, added: "I am a huge fan of Anne and her quick wit. I am immensely proud that this ferociously smart woman will be joining the show as host alongside the brilliant Rachel Riley and Susie Dent."

Countdown airs on weekdays at 2:10pm.

The new host of #countdown has been revealed! Did you guess correctly? @Channel4 #PackedLunchC4 pic.twitter.com/pPKiCInUfw

— Steph's Packed Lunch (@PackedLunchC4) February 15, 2021