We brought you the news yesterday, that Carol Vorderman was leaving Channel 4 game show, Countdown after 26 years of loyal service.

At first it was thought that Carol was quitting because Des O’Connor was leaving the show and she couldn’t bear the thought of bonding with another presenter. However, Carol has spoken out today and claimed that she was actually forced out of her job by Channel 4 bosses.

Carol’s agent, John Miles has revealed that Carol was told she could take a 90% pay cut or get out, and given only 48 hours to decide. She then offered to take a 33% budget cut being imposed on the show by ITV Productions, which makes Countdown for Channel 4. But this wasn’t good enough, she was told that the show had survived Richard Whiteley’s death and could easily survive her.

Carols agent stated: “I was stunned that my client’s 26 loyal years were discarded in such a cavalier manner,” he said.

“Having said that, Carol has never claimed she is indispensable.”

Vorderman said she was releasing a statement “so that the Countdown viewers and all the team know the truth”.

She added: “I am devastated that my joyous time with one of the best programmes on TV has ended this way.”

“I was happy to continue doing the numbers and letters for years to come,” she said.

“I wish all of my friends and colleagues every success in the future. I’ll miss them all.”