Countdown fans rejoice as new host Anne Robinson gives her trademark goodbye wink at the end

Anne Robinson made her debut as the new host of Countdown on Monday, to a warm reception from fans of the show.

The presenter, 76, admitted ahead of the episode that she had been ‘nervous’, and while some viewers picked up on this, they seemed impressed overall.

And Anne won round any naysayers at the end of the episode when she closed the show with her trademark wink while saying ‘goodbye’.

Made famous during her stint as the ‘queen of mean’ on The Weakest Link, Anne’s wink appeared to be the only quirk she was bringing with her to Countdown, exuding a notably softer side for the tea-time quiz.

Fans took to Twitter to comment on the Points Of View host’s premiere appearance.

One penned: ‘I’m so relieved that Anne Robinson did her trademark wink at the end of #Countdown!’

A second agreed: ‘Anne putting that legendary wink in at the end there. Well done Anne a great first show see you tomorrow #Countdown!’

A third wrote: ‘… don’t do the wink … don’t do the wink … don’t do the wink … s**t, she did the wink …’ 

Another penned: ‘She did her famous goodbye wink! Never watched #Countdown with Nick but Anne was brilliant!’

Anne has made history as the first female main host of the show, taking over from Nick Hewer, who served as the presenter for 10 years.

Anne joins lexicographer Susie Dent and mathematician Rachel Riley, both of whom welcomed her warmly to proceedings and told her she’d done a great job on her first episode.

Viewers tended to agree, with one penning: ‘A pretty sound start from Anne Robinson!’

Another agreed: ‘I must say she’s doing a good job of it so far!’

Another joked that she’d settled in ‘too well’, typing: ‘Anne Robinson’s not quite her usual lively self, is she? She’s settled into the comfy chair a little “too” well! They could do with changing the set so she looks like she’s sat by a roaring fire. Maybe give her a cat on her lap.’

Others noted she was nervous, with one posting: ‘You can tell Anne is very nervous. I hope Anne does get into her own swing of things!’

Anne appeared on Lorraine on Monday and admitted she had felt anxious filming the first few episodes of the show. 

She said: ‘I’ve filmed some of the shows and I think I’m quite nervous on today’s and tomorrow’s. I think I get into the groove on about Wednesday. I was very nervous, you always are if you’re doing a new show.

‘What was thrilling was quite a few of the contestants were great, great, fun and at times it was just like doing The Weakest Link.’

Despite her show nerves, Anne didn’t hesitate in accepting Channel 4 bosses’ offer to take over from Nick on the programme.

‘They asked me and I didn’t even take 30 seconds to say, “Yeah, that’s great, that’s exactly what I want to do”. First of all, I’m sitting down. All those years I had to stand up.

‘It’s cerebral, it’s very authentic. It hasn’t changed over the years to make it up-to-date.’

Countdown continues on Channel 4 at 2:10PM on weekdays.