Just learned of this sad news, and like others have said, I too am shocked and upset.
I do hope there is a fitting tribute on Channel Four and YTV.
RIP Richard Whiteley.
MO
morgaineofevil
The least YTV can do is opt out of rubbish itv porogramming and do a regional programme on him.
I hope Calendar cover it, would be an outrage not to!
Such a sad thing to happen. He was a great journalist, newsreader and presenter!
I'd also like to remember his chatshow "Richard Whiteley Unbriefed", only a few episodes were ever made but they were absolutely hillarious- it was a unique format where Richard didn't have a clue who the guests were until they appeared in front of him- and even then he didn't always know who they were- Patsy palmer for example. They should've made more of this series.
Richard would want us to celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. After a suitable period of time I think Countdown should continue.
As has been said many times already, my condolences to his family on such upsetting news. It was always a risk that he may not pull through his illness, or as it happened, heart surgery, though I don't think that lessened the shock that I felt on reading the news.
Sorry if this has been said already but I'm too tired to read through all the messages right now, but I just thought I'd add that I think this is the end of an era with this kind of quiz show, in the current climate of television. I can't think of any other show which appeals so much to both students and old people (which I guess is down to the time of day at which it's shown. As much as I will miss the game as well as Richard as a presenter, I wouldn't like to see Countdown carry on because it'll never be what it was. I think it should be put to rest in his memory.
It's such a unique quiz show in that it truely is played for the game itself rather than a modern-style quiz show with little imagination put into it, with big money up for grabs. I don't know if it's just a thing in my family, but it does seem to be one of the few shows that members of the older generation watch avidly and will be a great loss for them if it ends (though like I said, I don't feel it's right to continue the show following Richard's death, apart from his final 5 episodes).
Edit: Having said all this- I've just remembered that I have seen the original "Des Chiffres et Des Lettres" on France 2 a number of times, on which Countdown was based. This is very different from the UK version, with much more of a younger, more modern style to it. I guess YTV/Channel 4 could create a new show based on the Chiffres et Lettres concept, but in a radically different style that distanced it from the show that will always be Richard Whitely's. Just an idea.
It would be nice if they air the last pre-recorded shows he did and maybe have Carol appear at the end with a montage tribute also signifying the end of Countdown. That would be nice.
Well, I'm off to bed. A sad end to the day.
I'm sure Richard Whiteley will always remain, the face of Channel 4.
As has been said Richard WAS Countdown. He was also for so many years Mr Yorkshire Television. I have no doubt that much of Calendar will be devoted to this very sad news later today - he anchored the programme with warmth and humour for nearly three decades, making it one of the best known regional news shows in the UK.
A very sad loss to British television; it will be particularly keenly felt in Calendarland.
Channel 4 have replaced the 5:20am showing of Countdown this morning with some alternative programmes. Unfortunately I didn't catch the name of either programme (they have shown two).
This morning's GMTV bulletins of Calendar are being presented by Duncan Wood with a tribute being the only story.
All his famous moments, including the ferret, the Brighton bombing and the Scarborough Hotel falling into the sea at exactly 6pm were included. GMTV nationally are also leading with the story
Channel 4 have replaced the 5:20am showing of Countdown this morning with some alternative programmes. Unfortunately I didn't catch the name of either programme (they have shown two).
return to river cottage and collectors' lot little gems
Media Guardian today runs an interview with Carol (done last week) which says that she is 'dreading' going into the studio today to start recording the guest hosted editions with someone else other than Richard in the chair, and they were planning a 'shrine area' on the set until he got back.
I guess these new editions won't be recorded this week, and C4 will run out of editions to show on Friday.
All this is, of course a minor irrelivence. Sending out thoughts out to Richards family and friends at this sad time is the most important thing right now.
