Colin Murray has been named the new permanent host of Countdown after acting as 'caretaker' for the Channel 4 show for the past half-year.

The TV star, 45, has fronted the long-running game show since Anne Robinson stepped down last summer.

The news was announced on Steph's Packed Lunch on Wednesday, with Colin admitting 'it's a career dream.' 

Channel 4's head of daytime and features, Jo Street, said the broadcaster had 'listened to the fans' and decided to keep him on as its 'permanent host'.

Before joining Countdown full-time, the presenter appeared in its Dictionary Corner.

He then stood in for Nick Hewer as host during the second coronavirus lockdown in England as Hewer, now 78, was unable to travel to the set.

Colin returned to Countdown as host in July 2022 following Robinson's departure. Anne, 78, joined the show in 2021 and became the first main female presenter.

After the news was announced Colin said: 'It's a career dream to be named as permanent anchor of one of television's most iconic programmes.

'I have been a fan since day one, been part of the family for over a decade, appearing on Dictionary Corner, and now I get the honour of guiding it into a fifth decade. However, I don't just want Countdown to survive, I want it to thrive.

'During my caretaker stint we've seen more people tune back in, with close to a million (900,000) watching the series final in December, and I want that to just be the beginning.

'Countdown is a special show, and its stars will always be the letters and the numbers, but it's more than that.

'Great afternoon company for people of all ages from all across the UK.'

Colin said he, mathematician Rachel Riley and lexicographer Susie Dent are 'very excited for the year ahead', adding: 'If you haven't watched in a while, drop by and join us. Everyone is welcome.'

Rachel and Susie both soon sent congratulatory messages following the news that Colin's appointment on the show had been made permanent.

Sharing an adorable selfie with her arm wrapped around Colin's shoulder, Rachel wrote: 'Yep, it's true! By popular demand, the man from County Down has moved from caretaker manager to full time official host. 

'Congrats, welcome to the team properly! We couldn't be happier to have you.'

Rachel later poked fun at the new host by sharing a snap of him in the dressing room, sporting a brown wig with a fringe.

She quipped: 'Claudia Winkleman looks very different before makeup...' 

Meanwhile, on her own socials, Susie wrote: 'The news is out! And it's wonderful. Congratulations Colin Murray on nabbing the best seat on TV (I may be biased) and becoming the permanent Countdown host. We are very lucky to have you.'

Anne, 77, revealed she quit Countdown over a pay dispute, admitting that despite being offered a pay rise she did not want to join Channel 4's payroll after being employed on a freelance basis.

It was revealed that she was leaving Countdown after just one year by The Daily Mail's Alison Boshoff, with Anne adding that she has since smoothed over the rift with her co-stars Rachel and Susie.

Speaking to The Sun, she confessed: 'I come from a long line of alcoholic, Irish bandits so to suggest I go PAYE is a bit like asking Philip Green or Richard Branson to join the company payroll.

'I wasn't interested in any offer on that basis. Even if it included financial parity. I will, however, miss out on the Channel 4 luncheon vouchers, which is a big regret.'

Speaking with Emma Barnett on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she admitted of the rift with her co-stars Rachel and Susie that she had been annoyed by their time-keeping and noisiness.

But later said: 'They're both brilliant at what they do. I mean they really, really are. Channel 4 are incredibly lucky to have them. And there isn't a rift.

'It was me wanting everyone to be quiet in the studio. I like everyone turning up on time and quiet, quiet, quiet. So we did have to iron that out. But that's it.'

Anne continued: 'I think we all came to an agreement that we would have mics off before we went into a record, which gave me time to have a chat with the contestants - that's all - and remind them what their hobbies are.'

Describing Rachel, she said: 'She is brilliant at those numbers, what else can I say.'