Colin Murray is to step in for Nick Hewer as host of Countdown over the next few weeks while England is in a second lockdown.

Hewer, 76, has hosted the long-running Channel 4 quiz since 2012 and returned to the studio over the summer to film new episodes after the production was halted by the first coronavirus shutdown.

England has now been put back under strict restrictions until at least December 2, however, and Hewer revealed that his family have convinced him to spend that time at home.

Announcing his temporary exit on Twitter, Hewer wrote: "Good luck to Colin Murray, popular dictionary corner guest and Countdown fanatic, who takes over from me as host today and for the rest of Covid Lockdown recordings (although I'll still be on your screens for a week or two) as this 76-year-old shields at home – in spite of the amazing military-style safety protocols put in place by ITV Studios and Channel4.

"Between you and me, I'd have confidently carried on, but the family has handcuffed me to a radiator, saying 'you're not going anywhere'. So have fun Colin and keep my chair warm for me."

Countdown continues weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.