Anne Robinson is to replace Nick Hewer as the new host of Channel 4's Countdown, it has been announced.

The 76-year-old, who has previously hosted The Weakest Link, becomes the long-running quiz show's first permanent female presenter.

Hewer, also 76, announced that he was stepping down last year after more than nine years in the hotseat.

"I am beyond thrilled to be joining Countdown," said Robinson. "The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic.

"Sadly, there's no time for another face lift so I'll have make do with this old one.

"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."

Robinson's first episode will air this summer.