Anne Robinson quits Countdown after only one year in job

Robinson, 77, said she is quitting the show to make “way for an older woman” and informed Channel 4 bosses of her decision last Friday.

She told the MailOnline: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show.

“And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins.

“I hope too that I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.

“In fact the genius of Countdown is that it’s a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5k most days of the week.

“And I can now do an anagram at twice the speed I could this time last year.

“But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention.”

Robinson became the sixth host of the iconic programme, when she took over from Nick Hewer last year.

She filmed her final episodes earlier this year and will remain with the show until the summer.

She added: “It is great fun but it is intense. I go up to Media City in Salford and we do 15 shows in three 11-hour days.

“I’m built to last so I don’t really mind, but it does take up quite a chunk of my time.”

Channel 4 said it will announce Robinson’s replacement imminently.