Who could it be? Who would you like to see presenting? and can it last with a new presenter?
There's no reason why it shouldn't. Obviously the RW/CV partnership can't be recreated (and it would be a mistake to even try to do so). Whoever takes over the chair will have a hard job to do, but if they pick the right person, there's no reason why he/she can't make the show their own, just like Richard did.
I very much doubt it; Countdown has lost its appeal somewhat, and I would imagine, a large proportion of viewers as well.
I disagree. With all due respect to Mr Whiteley, for me it is the actual game - the "playalongathome-ability" - that appeals.
The main host's presenting role - regardless of who - is largely at the start, the end, and into and out of the commercial breaks. For much of the game, it's just a case of pressing the button to start the clock each round, and saying "counting down" or "here's the clock" etc.
Therefore, a new presenter with his/her own style will not alter the appeal of the GAME itself.
Dare I say it, but I think countdown was getting a bit tired anyway, and I've always looked upon the extended length format introduced in 2001 as a way of trying to save it through a light refresh, as opposed to it being a programme which had evolved into something commanding a longer timeslot. As tragic as the circumstances which have taken it off the air at present are, perhaps it would be best to leave things that way and find something new to replace it.
Furthermore, although channel 4 is a commercial operator and Countdown is their property, it is viewed in the eyes of much of it's viewership as being Richard Whiteley's show - whilst a new presenter might be accepted were Whiteley to have retired and handed the programme over to him, to run the programme with the same presenter until he died, and to then just replace him might be seen by many to be inappropriate.
Perhaps the only exception might be if Carol Vorderman herself to take over the presenting role, but she's shown no interest in doing so, and in any case it would still produce a very different feel.
I think the best way forward (which they may still do, Channel 4 themselves have not confirmed that they will be making any more episodes of the show) is to play the remaining episodes of Countdown that they have, make a decent tribute programme to Richard Whiteley (he deserves it perhaps more than anyone else involved with C4) and then call it a day.
Then comission a new show which might appeal to the same audience and try running with that.
If C4 really want to continue Countdown with a new host (although I don't think they should) I read a letter sent to one
of the TV listings magazines, that suggested Dictionary Corner regular Geoffery Durham ought to take over as host.
Would the Great Soprendo be the ideal choice as new host, or should C4 let Countdown just go . . . ?
I think the best way forward (which they may still do, Channel 4 themselves have not confirmed that they will be making any more episodes of the show) is to play the remaining episodes of Countdown that they have, make a decent tribute programme to Richard Whiteley (he deserves it perhaps more than anyone else involved with C4) and then call it a day.
All the regular episodes recorded by Richard have already been shown. There are just two 'specials' (usually used to plug any gaps left when the cricket finishes early) that haven't yet been screened.
And Channel Four have already shown two tribute programmes. One was a documentary about Richard's life, when he turned 60, and the other was about his years on Countdown. They were shown either side of the series final on the first of July.
I'm wondering whether William G. Stewart would be up for the job? I mean he is a well known Channel 4 daytime gameshow presenter. Perhaps it's time to bring him back.
Do they really need a new presenter, It would be better if Carol did both roles. Just revamp the set to make it work
I agree, I think this would be the best solution. It would give the show a slightly "new" feel and format, but retain enough of the "old" to keep the regular audience.
PS: Mr Stabby's idea is also quite good. I always used to like William G Stewart on 15 to 1.
I don't think William G would want to go back to presenting. Personally I think Nicholas Parsons would be a good choice for host, but I seem to be in a minority of one (or maybe two, if Mr Parsons happens to be reading this...)
