'You're fired!'  Alan Sugar surprises Nick Hewer on Countdown final episode
Channel: OnTime News
Date: 26/06/2021

https://youtu.be/WXy3oQkk5fw

'You're fired!'  Alan Sugar surprises Nick Hewer on Countdown final episode
Nick Hewer was left stunned on Friday's Countdown after he got a surprise message from his 'very good friend' Lord Alan Sugar on his final episode.
It was revealed in December that the presenter, 77, had quit the Channel 4 show after nearly ten years with Anne Robinson replacing him as the first-ever female host.
Bidding an emotional goodbye to Nick on Friday's episode, the TV star was surprised by his former The Apprentice co-star Lord Sugar, who joked: 'You're retired' in a nod at his famous saying on the BBC series: 'You're fired!' 
Nick's Countdown co-star Susie Dent unveiled the sweet gesture as she cryptically said: 'I know that you love a sweet treat now and again and I've talked a lot on the show about the influence of salt on our civilisation and language.
'I've not really talked about the impact of sugar, which has also vastly influenced our language and culture.
'You know what, Nick, I'm going to leave this to someone who knows a lot more about this than me...'
Lord Sugar then appeared via video link as Nick was left stunned and almost gobsmacked by the surprise.
Nick revealed in December that he had quit Countdown after nearly ten years of hosting. 
The presenter took to Twitter to announce the news and admitted the coronavirus pandemic had forced him to rethink his future. 
Nick revealed that he wouldn't be renewing his contract in January as he approached his then 77th birthday and his tenth year of hosting.
The former The Apprentice aide had previously stepped away from the Channel 4 gameshow to shield at home during the second coronavirus lockdown, where he was replaced by Colin Murray, 44. He had since returned to the studio. 
Nick said it had been a 'privilege and a pleasure' to be part of the show as he thanked co-stars Susie and Rachel. 
Taking to Twitter, he tweeted at the time: 'Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life.
'I've decided it's a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year. As someone in his 77th year, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think it's time to smell the flowers and get a dog. 
'But let me now take the opportunity to say that it's been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness recordholder. 
'And although I'll be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes.
'All 250 or so a year, my wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us.
'And a sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot. 
'And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as I've enjoyed. @C4Countdown @susie_dent @RachelRileyR.' (sic) 
Nick's co-stars Susie and Rachel shared their own statements to Twitter after the news.
Rachel tweeted: 'Right, time to get a bingo list of things you need to slip into the show while you’re hosting @Nick_Hewer' followed by a wink emoji. 
While Susie added: 'The voice of a gentleman who will be dearly missed.'  
Countdown fans were let sad over the news as they flocked to Twitter to wish Nick well and a 'happy retirement'.