Richard Whiteley

It is such a shame that Richard Whitely, OBE, has died.

Like most people in this thread, I thought he'd pull through. Not only has Yorkshire Television lost a great man, but so has the rest of the countr.

Countdown will not be the same again without his 'loud' ties and his play with words.

I hope Yorkshire Television or the ITV Network show the YTV documentary again.

Richard Whitely, OBE, 1943 - 2005. RIP

I never thought this would happen. Yes he was very cheesey, wore very loud ties and told awful jokes, but I simply cannot imagine countdown without him, and channel 4 should seriously think about putting the show to bed.

I am so shocked and devestated to learn of Richards untimely death. I was an avid fan of Countdown. He was a very modest man who will be sorely missed by not only those who knew him, but by anyone who has ever seen him on television.

They've already moved it to 3.15, what more do you want?!

There's just been a press release from Channel 4, but it basically says Richard Whiteley was ace, and Countdown won't be on today.

I can belive he has died so soon. I thought he would have have done good progress on his heart sugary.

I also think it was good idea now to close my therad since he's died.

So will Countdown carry on without him, The show has never been the same again since it shifted from 4.15 to 3.15.

I wonder if BBC North (Leeds) will play the ballet ident before Look North tonight.

Bless his little cotton socks (or, indeed, silk ties...)

Calendar will be sombre tonight.



Whoever was the first due Guest Host would have felt like they were jumping in Mr Whiteley's grave.

It's a shame he never lived to see Coundown win any award. I'm glad they finally got round to giving him that OBE last year (about bl**dy time )

I wonder if Channel 4 will still screen the few remaining recorded Countdown episodes. If so, today's will presumably be "book-ended" with, say, tribute slides. When I last checked, the Channel 4 website still lists Coundown at 3:15pm today.

Understandably, the programme has been pulled today and replaced with A Place by the Sea starting at 3 o'clock.

Harry Gration in a black tie for the lunchtime Look North.

Rather puts Mr Sissons and the Queen Mother in perspective.

You can?



Well a sugary heart won't last too long, will it? I'm sure you meant "surgery".

I have to say I didn't think it was looking too good for Richard after such a long spell in hospital, but I am saddened at his loss.

I think even he would be shocked at the volume of tributes being paid.

I think Countdown can and should continue. It's very sad to lose Richard but life goes on.

Was astounded that IRN today felt it neccessary to wrap some audio up within the countdown clock. Why!? It adds nothing and was a bit disrespectful in my opinion.

Another corker was when they decided their 09:40 feed of cuts would be..............................the Countdown theme. Even poor old long suffering Jonty who was feeding it seemed a little miffed.

Give me Sky News Radio anyday!


And also a delight - to hear Nicholas Owen, Bob Warman and Dickie Bird (with the B for one time only) all speak about Richard whilst I was monitoring what IRN were doing.

A Place By The Sea? That's no substitute really, is it?