Countdown to return with new presenter

GS

Gavin Scott Founding member 25 July 2005 1:50pm

Brekkie Boy posted:

I disagree with Gyles.

Just choosing a presenter on the basis that they are linked to Richard Whitely - or the history of the show - is wrong.

It needs to be a new partnership, not an attempt to recreate Richard and Carol (which would be doomed!).

It be better for the show to have someone not too closely linked with it, and certainly not to similar to RW.

I quite like the idea of Gyles. The job needs to go to someone who is good with sparkling wordplay, and Gyles has that. He's also a firm favourite with ladies of a certain age. One only needs to see his collection of hand-made sweaters from viewers to know that.

But if wordplay is the theme, and it clearly is; how about Russel Brand?

Bit young I know, but he would be a hit with the student viewers.

And I like him, so that's a good start.

SP

Spencer 25 July 2005 3:04pm

Charlie Wells posted:

Just as long as it's not hosted by Jimmy Carr.

What a horrible thought... Thankfully though I don't think it's possible for an analogue clock to count down from 100.

MO

Moz 25 July 2005 9:38pm

Dick & Dom! They'd have a good laugh with Carol & would be popular with the coffin-dodgers and students!

CW

Charlie Wells Moderator 25 July 2005 9:42pm

Moz posted:

Dick & Dom! They'd have a good laugh with Carol & would be popular with the coffin-dodgers and students!

...Where contestants have to find words from 9 letters within 30 seconds whilst avoiding the flying creamy muck muck.

PT

Put The Telly On 25 July 2005 11:38pm

Gavin Scott posted:

But if wordplay is the theme, and it clearly is; how about Russel Brand?

Bit young I know, but he would be a hit with the student viewers.

And I like him, so that's a good start.

NO NO NO!

I can't stand the man. Thats like putting Graham Norton on Songs of Praise.

SC

scottishender 26 July 2005 12:59pm

What about Richard Whiteley's son. Just to keep it in the Whieley family. He might become a TV presenter one day.

Or even Noel Edmonds or Bruce Forsyth

TV

TVN 26 July 2005 1:11pm

scottishender posted:

What about Richard Whiteley's son. Just to keep it in the Whieley family. He might become a TV presenter one day.

Or even Noel Edmonds or Bruce Forsyth

Since Richards son is still at school, or so I am lead to believe, the chances are he would not present it. It might be a bit wierd for him too. And as far as I am aware, Countdown is not part of the monarchy.

And as for Noel Edmunds and Bruce Forsyth.... the latter might not be too bad, but the first; no thanks.

BR

Brekkie 26 July 2005 2:44pm

TVN posted:

scottishender posted:

What about Richard Whiteley's son. Just to keep it in the Whieley family. He might become a TV presenter one day.

Or even Noel Edmonds or Bruce Forsyth

Since Richards son is still at school, or so I am lead to believe, the chances are he would not present it. It might be a bit wierd for him too. And as far as I am aware, Countdown is not part of the monarchy.

I think it's more comparable to the election of a new Pope!

Do they want someone of a similar style who may not be around too long - or someone younger to attract a new audience?

Also, do you think the 45-minute format should remain when Countdown returns - or would they be better off cutting it back to the traditional (and quite frankly, better) 30-minute format?

TV

TVN 26 July 2005 6:39pm

Definately should be back to the old 30 mins, twice a night.

Keeps the speed of the progoramme up, and makes it more exciting.

SC

scottishender 26 July 2005 8:29pm

TVN posted:

scottishender posted:

What about Richard Whiteley's son. Just to keep it in the Whieley family. He might become a TV presenter one day.

Or even Noel Edmonds or Bruce Forsyth

Since Richards son is still at school, or so I am lead to believe, the chances are he would not present it. It might be a bit wierd for him too. And as far as I am aware, Countdown is not part of the monarchy.

And as for Noel Edmunds and Bruce Forsyth.... the latter might not be too bad, but the first; no thanks.

Richard's girlfreind (The one who used to be in EastEnders) has been in the dictionray corner a few times before. Will she have a chance

MA

Magoo 26 July 2005 8:35pm

scottishender posted:

TVN posted:

scottishender posted:

What about Richard Whiteley's son. Just to keep it in the Whieley family. He might become a TV presenter one day.

Or even Noel Edmonds or Bruce Forsyth

Since Richards son is still at school, or so I am lead to believe, the chances are he would not present it. It might be a bit wierd for him too. And as far as I am aware, Countdown is not part of the monarchy.

And as for Noel Edmunds and Bruce Forsyth.... the latter might not be too bad, but the first; no thanks.

Richard's girlfreind (The one who used to be in EastEnders) has been in the dictionray corner a few times before. Will she have a chance

It will not be Kathryn Apanowicz or any of the rest of Richard's family. Please just try and put yourself in their position. One of their loved ones has recently died suddenly, thus leaving behind him a lifetime of memories. It would be emotionally difficult for his family to try and do the job which he has done for many years. If the same format is to be persisted with then Gyles Brandreth is a far more likely replacement, or if the younger audience is being targetted, then a new face is possible.

CA

cat 26 July 2005 9:22pm

TVN posted:

Just a shame he isn't an MP anymore.

WHAT?!

As Brandreth was my MP for god knows how many years, I think I am just about well-informed enough to say that he was utterly dire.

Prior to 97 election: ''I love the people of Chester, I could never leave''
Post 97 election: Brandreth leaves for London

Still, the Tories will be back here at the next election.

I think he did come back for a Sky News docu at my gym. Not quite sure why. Anyway, he was awful. Good book, though.

(July 2005)