Countdown

I've seen it being recorded a few times and it is 5 shows in a day, usually Monday to Wednesday, but since Jeff has taken on more commitments at Sky they've recorded on Thursdays aswell. When Des Lynam was presenting Countdown it was still in Leeds, it's only been in Manchester since mid-2009 and nothing's been said on where the show will go once Granada's Quay Street studios close next year, can only assume for now it's going to Media City UK.

Perhaps they should do guest hosts like Have I Got news For You.... a different host every month?

If they go for a new permanent one then they should go for someone not that well known again (like Jeff Stelling). A younger or more well known comedian or broadcaster is going to get bored after a while and they'll be back needing someone else in a year.

As for possible names, one that springs to mind is Gordon Burns. He's in in the Manchester area already and although he is retiring later in the year he might fancy keeping his hand in with a part-time presenting gig

An absolutely awful idea to have a guest host every month - Countdown is built on familiarity.

I'm not sure Gordon Burns is personable enough for the gig. Trying to think of the exodus of BBC staff moving North shortly. John Inverdale fits the sport broadcaster mould, but not sure the BBC would be as willing as Sky to let someone have such a sideline. Less of a problem with someone from the radio I guess - Nicky Campbell perhaps?

Too expensive is my gut reaction.

I like that idea. Might bring gems like Bob Holness out, since I doubt he'd take something like this on full time.

I don't think he'd want to do it anyway.

Is Perfect Recall still running? Wiki suggests it's still being made.

Suspect non-studio based BBC Sport presenters won't have to move North - as they are likely to be OB-based, so can travel to anywhere from anywhere within reason.

I think the historic reason that Countdown has used a couple of sport presenters (Des and Jeff) is that sport breeds experienced (which means reliable and cost-effective even on a pre-recorded show!) and warm presenters who aren't overly associated with serious news (the other breeding ground for experienced, reliable, cost-effective presenters) Richard had a news background (albeit local news which was less "hard news") though.

I suspect that they will want someone competent, reliable and warm - but some of the obvious choices might not want to commit to a long running show as it reduces their flexibility to take on other (probably more varied and better paid) work.

I think Alexander Armstrong would have been, and would be, brilliant - but can also see why it might not work for him.

Bringing back Carol but this time as main presenter would be good publicity for the programme, but whether or not she would do it is an entirely different matter altogether.

I think Bob is too frail thesedays. How about Fred Dinenage.

I don't know - for many getting rid of her was long overdue.

Fred's getting towards 70 now, I suspect when Meridian News finally shrinks back to being nothing (can't be long now ?), Fred will call it day.

Here's a random thought, Rob Brydon ?

The ratings took a nosedive when she left.