Nick Hewer to present Countdown

Channel 4 has signed Nick Hewer to present the new series of Countdown when it returns to TV screens in 2012.

Nick, who is best known as Lord Alan Sugar's advisor on the BBC's Apprentice, will take over from Jeff Stelling at the end of the year to join numbers whizz Rachel Riley and words expert Susie Dent when the Countdown team starts recording the new series at the end of the year. Viewers can see him in the presenting chair from Monday 9th January 2012 onwards.

Countdown is Channel 4's longest running series airs weekdays at 3.10pm.

Nick said: "I'm flattered to have been asked to present such an iconic programme and will work hard to justify sitting in the same seat as such great talents as Jeff Stelling, Des O'Connor and of course the great Richard Whiteley. It's particularly fitting that I should be doing this now as my spelling has started to slip quite badly. I used to be able spell chrysanthemum."

Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt, said: "Nick will be a fantastically charismatic host for Countdown. He is sharp and funny and has a real twinkle in his eye."

Channel 4 Head of Daytime, Helen Warner, said: "I have always been a big fan of Nick and I am thrilled that he will be bringing his dry wit, fierce intelligence and unique charm to the Countdown chair."

Countdown Executive Producer, Peter Gwyn, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Nick has agreed to take the Countdown chair, and I can't wait to see him bring his unique style and humour to this iconic format. With Nick at the helm and our 30th birthday next year, we've got some very exciting times ahead for Countdown viewers."