Strictly Come Dancing star, John Sergeant, is being tipped to take over from Des O’Connor as presenter of Countdown.

During the last week it has been revealed that Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and comic Alexander Armstrong both said “No” when offered the role.

An insider told The Sun: “Alexander turned it down flat and Jeff doesn’t reckon he can balance it with his Sky Sports work. So producers have set their sights on John. They were thinking of a younger presenter, but John has a massive fanbase through Strictly.”

Pals say John would be great on the show as he “loves words”. One said: “He’s also a bit of a wag, having been a comedian in his younger years, so would keep things light.”