Richard Whiteley Memorial Service

It lasted for 6 weeks during the Summer of 1982. Richard Whiteley only did it because it was another spin off from Calendar, all of them he did and in this case Calendar Countdown was no different. But Channel 4 picked up Countdown and the rest as they say is history, but it could have been all different as the 1st series was very unpopular, but it was recomissioned.

Was there not a second series? I've got the special 1000th episode of Coundtown on video somewhere. On that they showed a clip of Calendar Countdown which I'm sure had a different, and very brown set.

For those of you who want to know all the facts and figures about Countdown, including all the champions, contestants and guest presenters over the years, have a look at this site: -
http://www.thecountdownpage.com/index.htm

Thanks for that link Malcy - perusing as I type

'Exclusive' story in today's Daily Mirror...

Whiteley Job Goes To Lynam.

You'll also find the same 'exclusive' story in today's Sun.

Well out of the three names paraded around for this vacancy - Paul Merton, Des Lynam and Noel Edmonds - I think they made the right choice.

I totally agree.

Did anyone catch the programme about Edmonds on five last night?

I think I've seen that before.


As for Des Lynam - most people seem quite pleased with him as he's got a similar appeal, but is also quite different, to Richard.

I certainly think he's probably the most suited out of the rumoured candidates - he is very much the safe choice!


Someone like Paul Merton would have been the risky choice - and would either have failed miserably or succeeded far beyond our expectations.

A thought just occured to me last night - if Richard had died a few years ago when Carol Vorderman was forever on our screens with shows generally for ITV, do you think Countdown would still have continued?

Apparently according to the below item this afternoon it still hasn't been decided yet!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4258344.stm

I think the pics in this thread are actually from the pilot episode. Note the weird -though quite stylish - clock that goes to 45 seconds!

Well, there was *BREAKING NEWS* on Calendar tonight, and Des Lynam has been officially confirmed as the new host of Countdown. There is supposed to be more from Des on tomorrow nights programme.

So I suppose it begs the question, when does filming start, when will it air on Channel 4, and will they keep the previous set.