Countdown is one of the game formats that could be played remotely, with contestants either at home or in a local DTL studio appearing on plasma screens on-set.
Indeed if you search YouTube for "ZoomDown" you'll find that the Countdown fan community have been amusing themselves with a DIY version featuring ex champs (including current Countdown producer Damian Eadie) and guest appearances from the likes of Susie Dent.
At this point, viewers really don't want anymore Zoom based shows.
Although I think it’s just the host that is remote (at home), with the others in the studio. I guess it could have been a way to keep Nick on the show when he was in isolation and they choose not go down that route which maybe tell you something... University Challenge is probably a show that would work perfectly fine going down the remote host method if they needed to.
Last edited by Jon on 20 January 2021 3:08am - 2 times in total
I have to say, working from home as many of us are, I find myself turning on the telly while I have my lunch. This show is definitely the most appealing to me out of the options in this time slot! It’s not bad.
I’m guessing that’s the kind of audience they are hoping to be able to grow - the new WFH audience, rather than those who would be at home anyway and already have their established routines.
While the show has a budget for taxis to get guests on from half the country during a pandemic, they resorted to using the events manager of Somerley House who didn't have much broadcasting experience if any to do a two way with Steph showing them around the house instead of getting a presenter to go down there.
It’s growing into a decent enough programme now they’re finding their feet. I seem to be tuning in to catch more and more links delivered by her regular guests rather than Steph though.
It’s growing into a decent enough programme now they’re finding their feet. I seem to be tuning in to catch more and more links delivered by her regular guests rather than Steph though.
The show was better when Helen Skelton and Richard Madeley guest hosted..
Personally, the show is much more better than This Morning and whilst the same regulars are on so much you could create your own lineup by pulling names out of hat, it's a unique lineup that you wouldn't get on other channels.
I agree with all new Phil in the sense that it's getting better now they're finding their feet and I'm glad to see it be renewed. I don't think it was a surprise that the viewing figures wouldn't be great compared to Loose Women or the BBC channels, but the niche viewership helps what makes it a nice show.