Shock: Carol Vorderman is stepping down from Countdown after over 25 years on the Channel 4 show

Carol Vorderman unexpectedly quit as co-host of Countdown yesterday.

She had been with the Channel 4 quiz show since it started in 1982.

Miss Vorderman had been struggling to agree a new contract with programme maker Granada, and there were suggestions the company had tried to cut her estimated £3million salary.

Insiders said the current economic downturn and the show's weaker ratings meant she would have been told to take less money to stay on.

There were also suggestions that Miss Vorderman, 47, felt Countdown was not the same since Richard Whiteley died in 2005.

He had presented the show for more than 20 years.

The programme's producers already have to replace Des O'Connor - who stepped down earlier this week, saying he missed the excitement of his one-man shows.

He had spent less than two years as the main presenter after Des Lynam's departure.

Asked about whether Miss Vorderman would struggle to bond with yet another new co-presenter, her manager John Miles said: 'She didn't think she could go through that process again. She just feels that it is time to leave.'

Counting down to her last days: Carol Vorderman with her former co-host Des Lynam three years ago

Early days: Vorderman had been struggling to agree a new contract with Granada

He did not comment on the speculation over pay, but added: 'It was a difficult decision because she loves Countdown dearly and always has. The contestants, viewers and crew are like family to her.

'They have, with Carol, been through decades of joy and also tremendous pain when Richard died.

'Carol had considered quitting when Richard died suddenly three years ago but she eventually agreed to continue, turning down the offer to take over as host.

'She has been lucky enough to have worked with two wonderful new co-hosts. Carol was the first woman on Channel 4 and she is enormously grateful to have had 26 wonderful years and nearly 5,000 shows on Countdown.

Counting down to her last days: Carol Vorderman with her former co-host Des Lynam three years ago

'She wants to thank all of the crew, the thousands of contestants who have played the game and the millions of Countdown viewers.'

The current front-runner to take over the main presenter's position on the teatime show is impressionist Rory Bremner.

Channel 4 is understood to have made 'discreet enquiries' about the comedian's availability in the coming months.

However, Songs of Praise host Aled Jones and colourful TV stalwart Gyles Brandreth - both regulars on the show's Dictionary Corner - are also said to be interested.

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Vorderman (right) with fellow Countdown members Kathy Hytner and Gyles Brandreth

End of an era: A youthful Carol with Richard Whiteley when the show began in 1982