COUNTDOWN fans were left stunned after Colin Murray disappeared from the show in a host shake-up today.
The Channel 4 show is about to celebrate its 40th birthday, having first aired on November 2, 1982.
Countdown fans were left stunned after Colin Murray disappeared from the show in a host shake-up today
Floella Benjamin hosted the show ahead of its 40th birthday on Wednesday
Over the years, the show has had a number of hosts, with Colin, 45, currently presiding over each game.
Colin replaced Anne Robinson in July, having acted as a guest host in 2020.
But this week, Colin is nowhere to be seen, with Floella Benjamin taking his place.
The former Play School star looked sensational as she took her seat behind the desk and chatted to co-host Rachel Riley.
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Countdown's Rachel Riley looks stunning in off-the-shoulder jumpsuit
Floella is also a successful author and member of the House of Lords, and viewers were delighted to see her on their screens.
One Countdown fan wrote: “Great to see @FloellaBenjamin on @C4Countdown. A touch of class indeed for a special anniversary. 
#Countdown.”
Another added: “wasn’t watching Colin Murray on #countdown but flicking through channels today found the excellent Floella Benjamin.”
A third tweeted: “Floella Benjamin hosting #Countdown is so lovely. She’s right at home in the main chair.”
Meanwhile a fellow fan shared: “How fabulous to see @FloellaBenjamin hosting #countdown today.”
Another Countdown fan said: “Floella Benjamin looks at least 20 years younger than her 73 years.
“This month proving yet again how many better choices there were to host than Anne Robinson.”
Later this month, other guest hosts will include Reverend Richard Coles and former newsreader Moira Stuart.
Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.
