Nick Hewer's 'jolly lucky' TV career

Nick Hewer

New 'Countdown' host Nick Hewer is amazed by his TV success because he doesn't feel he has any talent.

Nick Hewer feels "jolly lucky" to have carved out a TV career as he doesn't have any "talent".

The 67-year-old former public relations consultant - who became a household name thanks to his appearances as Lord Alan Sugar's assistant on 'The Apprentice' - is still surprised to have been appointed host of 'Countdown' because he thinks he talks "garbage".

He said: "I've been jolly lucky for someone without any talent at all.

"I still think I'm talking garbage, but they say it works. My style is a bit savvy, not unkind and not cocky."

Nick also revealed he was so excited when he was able to make a long word in one round of the show, he blurted it out - and the contestants each submitted his answer as their own when the clocks stopped.

He recalled in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It was quite amusing. I looked up and shouted 'conifers'.

"Both contestants then gave the word 'conifers' themselves. I don't think they'll be able to show that on telly. I was just so excited to have got it."

Nick is in awe of his assistant on the show, maths expert Rachel Riley, praising her as "charming" and very bright.

He said: "Rachel is sharp as a whip. She's extraordinary. During the numbers game she will stare into space with her fingers moving and three seconds later she stops because she's got the answer. Unbelievable.

"Charming girl, wonderful. She's the definition of toothsome."