'Countdown': First look at Anne Robinson heading up all-female line-up

Countdown fans have been offered a first look at the show's new all-female line-up, featuring Anne Robinson at the helm.

Robinson, 76, will debut as the show's first female host at the end of June, joining maths whizz Rachel Riley and dictionary corner lead Susie Dent.

A photo of the three women together has been released as a trailer.

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Punning on the comedy spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, she said: "Three Girls Do Countdown - who wouldn't want to watch?”

Riley, who is in charge of the show's maths questions and placing letters and numbers on the board, said: "It’s been really fun watching Anne very quickly find her feet in the Countdown studio and seeing the contestants in the new groove with her.

"She’s not shy of asking them funny questions and the responses have ranged from going into their own comedy routines to not looking directly at her and hoping she doesn’t see them – it’s been very lively!"

Dent, who oversees the word rounds, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to work with Anne again.

"She has been a heroine of mine ever since she gently rescued me from an embarrassing moment on my first bit of live TV.

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"With her flair and wit, she’s going to be a wonderful addition to the Countdown team.”

Robinson replaces Nick Hewer as host from Monday 28 June at 2.10pm on Channel 4, with Countdown episodes airing on weekdays.

Previous hosts have included Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O'Connor, Jeff Stelling and Colin Murray, who served as a stand-in presenter.

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It was the first programme to broadcast on Channel 4 when the channel launched 39 years ago, in November 1982, making it one of the longest running quiz shows in the world.

Robinson's previous presenting roles have included The Weakest Link and Points of View.

Watch: Rachel Riley pays tribute to Nick Hewer as he films final Countdown episode