Klass favourite for 'Countdown' role

Rex Features

Myleene Klass is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Carol Vorderman on Countdown.

The classical pianist is 12/1 with William Hill to take over the job after Vorderman announced that she is stepping down.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "Carol will be a very hard act to follow as a number cruncher but Myleene is attracting the smart money."

Klass currently presents BBC One talent show Last Choir Standing.

Other names rumoured to be in the running include Anthea Turner, Ulrika Jonsson, Natasha Kaplinsky and Angela Rippon.

Vorderman quit the Channel 4 gameshow after reportedly being told to accept a 90% pay cut or leave. Presenter Des O'Connor had previously announced his intention to stand down.

> 'Countdown' regulars back Vorderman