Susie Dent will be absent from Countdown for the remainder of this week’s episodes, returning on screen on Monday 20th December.
A Channel 4 spokesperson exclusively confirmed the news to RadioTimes.com, following Dent’s notable absence earlier this week during Monday’s show.
Viewers were struck by how both Dent and her colleague Rachel Riley were missing from the episode, and while Riley’s absence could be easily explained (the presenter is currently on maternity leave), the same couldn’t be said for Dent.
Countdown host Anne Robinson addressed Dent’s absence during the episode, saying: “As you can see, Susie’s not here. She’s away having a COVID test.”
Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Channel 4 didn’t comment on whether or not Dent had tested positive for COVID-19, although it’s worth noting that Countdown episodes are filmed weeks in advance.
RadioTimes.com has reached out to representatives of Dent for comment.
During the episode, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon was also introduced as Rachel Riley’s replacement during her maternity leave.
Robinson told viewers: “In case you didn’t notice, Christmas is coming very fast now and we also have a new arrival, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon.
“Now, she is an amazing whizz-kid at maths and she is keeping the seat warm for Rachel,” before going on to reference Dr Imafidon’s work to promote diversity and inclusivity in STEM subjects.
“Anne-Marie, I know you do amazing social enterprise for young women and non-binary people and it’s encouraging them into the sciences?” she said.
Dr Imafidon replied: “Yes, you could say that. Into sciences, technical fields, STEM specifically. So, science, technology, engineering, and maths.”
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