Des Lynam Quits Countdown

knowing c4 they would plug the gap with friends and will & Grace repeats.

Can't there overhaul it and relaunch it.

it should not get axed

Looks like Carol has ruled herself out then. This from Digital Spy:

Vorderman: I won't host 'Countdown'
Wednesday, October 4 2006, 11:56 BST - by David Cribb

Carol Vorderman has refused to be drawn into the Countdown presenter debate.

She insists she would rather continue in her current role, administering the letters and numbers, and solving the maths problems.

Vorderman was recently announced as the favourite to take the lead presenting role, after current incumbent Des Lynam announced he was leaving.

However, she has laughed off the rumours, and advised people to save their time and money: "Please don't put a bet on me as I'm really not going to be the new host of Countdown," she said. "Save your money. I love the job I have and hope to be by the numbers board for many years to come, even with my Zimmer frame."

Noel was actually a front runner before and recorded an unbroadcast edition as well as Des to see how they coped with teh show and theirchemistry with Carol.

He didn't get the gig and instead got an even more popular show with Deal Or No Deal. I've said it before but his renaissance would never have happened with Countdown, the show is just crap.

So long as Eammon 'fat slob' Holmes doesn't make the hotseat.... "looking lovely Carrrrol so you arrrre"

if there is a big gap in filming while finding a new host they could always show classic countdown episodes as a stop gap.

Is countdown on all year round or does it take long breaks anyway?

From 1997 until Richard Whiteley's death last last year the show was on all year around and I think that's the intention now. Des shall we say has given notice of his leave so this has give them time to find someone else. But AIUI they film a week's worth of episodes in a day, so if they wanted to they could film a month's worth in a week.

If there is a hiatus one could only assume it would be between Christmas and New Year, where it's replaced by old Films.

They often show archive episodes in the summer, when cricket matches are postponed or finish early.

Why is C'down crap? Easily accessible gameshow, but it has not dumbed-down over the years. Yes it's naff, but that's part of the appeal I think

They did do for the first couple of years, but then showed repeats from later series (with the same set) and then "special editions". I believe there are actually one or two of these specials (with Richard Whitely) which actually haven't aired.


I think though when Des Lynam took over there was just a couple of weeks between the filming and airing of his first episodes.

I'd imagine Countdown will end the Friday before Christmas and would have returned either on Tuesday 2nd January or Monday 8th January - but it wouldn't surprise me now if it was delayed a month or so and Come Dine with Me filled the slot in January.

I wouldn't like to see it axed, its almost a national pastime now and is certainly part of Channel 4's history.
I am disappointed with the list of presenters put forward though, like a merry go -round, oooo whose not doing much at the moment, lets pick them and plonk em in the chair.
I'd nominate Mr Greg Scott, funny, charming and would gel with Carol as used to be the warm up man there when it first started.

I nominate Ison

Greggles and nana off the royal family... now there would be a combination!!!!!