Countdown host Nick Hewer has said that he expects the show to start filming new episodes again next month despite the ongoing threat of coronavirus.

The teatime gameshow was the first ever programme broadcast on Channel 4 when it launched in 1982 and has been a firm fixture of the schedules ever since.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, production on new episodes stopped on March 17, the last of which will go to air this Friday.

Asked if he was worried about returning to work at the age of 76, Hewer told Good Morning Britain: "I am slightly anxious about it, but the over 70s have seen it all and we are responsible people.

"I think you can trust those over 70s to be responsible, they know their vulnerability.

"I will go back happily to the studio, if not cautiously. I will keep my distance. But nothing will stop Countdown."

The UK has been in full lockdown since March 23 and the government are reportedly preparing to extend it by a further three weeks, albeit with some slight relaxation of the terms, later this week.