Rachel Riley 'set to take over from Countdown rival Anne Robinson' after mic clashes

Rachel Riley could be in the running to take over from Anne Robinson following the news that she has quit her role as Countdown host.

Earlier this week, the 77-year-old TV star confirmed she was stepping down after just one year in the hot seat - and now rumours are circulating on who could replace her.

According to William Hill, Rachel is the 3/1 joint-favourite to be chosen as the next permanent presenter of Countdown.

The 36-year-old co-hosted alongside Anne, but with Anne now exiting the show, Rachel is the market leader to take on presenting duties on her own and sits atop the betting alongside Paul O’Grady.

Rachel Riley could be in the running to take over from Anne Robinson following the news that she has quit her role as Countdown host (Channel 4)

They also revealed that Moira Stuart is next in line at 4/1 and is the same price as Colin Murray, while Sir Trevor McDonald and Sandi Toksvig are also in the running at 6/1 and 7/1 respectively.

William Hill spokesperson, Tony Kenny, said: “Not many saw Anne Robinson deciding to leave Countdown but with her exit now confirmed, attention has turned to who will replace her in the presenting chair on the famous show.

Rachel Riley has been on Countdown since 2009 after taking over from Carol Vorderman (Channel 4)

“The current favourites are Rachel Riley and Paul O’Grady with both looking obvious candidates, while further down the list Sir Trevor McDonald, who has already had a go in the role, is a 6/1 chance," he added.

This comes after Anne confirmed that she asked for the microphones of Rachel and their co-host Susie Dent to be switched off before they began filming Countdown episodes - but also insisted there was no rift to make her quit.

Anne hosted the Channel 4 show for one year but has decided to step down (Channel 4)

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour, Anne addressed the rumour she clashed with co-stars and admitted some issues had to be "ironed out" between the trio when working together, including her liking "quiet" on set.

Anne said of Rachel and Susie: "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.

Anne confirmed that she asked for Rachel's microphone to be switched off before they began filming (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"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.

"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," she added.

The Mirror has contacted a rep for Rachel Riley asking for comment.