The pro-Tony Durrant thread

[Jason Larsen]

I wasn't too crazy about Tony Durrant when he started playing Countdown, but then as he played the game more, I began to like him more and more.

Towards the beginning of Tony's run, things turned out nicely because Des O'Connor noted that he had played pool, and so did Dennis Taylor. I'm not sure if he had ever seen the show Big Break before because I don't know what type of audience that show was geared towards.

After that, he acted all serious but played the game very well. I know, we all have our own opinions, but Tony is one of those people who really "grew on me." If he wins this season, I'll be neutral. But, I must say that he's not a total bore. He's actually fun. He's got the touch of having a good vocabulary which is essential for Countdown. Countdown has seen many different types of contestants over the years, but I think Tony is a special guy. Tony seems quite smart. He has a delayed reaction when his opponents want to shake his hand on a good game, but I like him very much.

Who else likes Tony, and who hopes he will win the season?

Happy Easter, everyone!

[Ralph Gillions]

I`m sorry Jason; I can`t share your thoughts.
I am finding he has a depressing effect on me.
Sorry.

[Jason Larsen]

So, as opposed to him having grown on me, he hasn't grown on you, has he?

[Paul Howe]

I like him, he strikes me as a kind of melancholy Rolf Harris.

[Jason Larsen]

Des implied that he is not Australian.

[Paul Howe]

Des implied that he is not Australian.

I was hoping to be regaled with a tale of the American version of Rolf Harris, whoever that may be. If you could manage that, it would definitely help me sleep better (I am suffering from a recurring nightmare in which I am tormented by the endless repetition of the Countdown clock music, you see).

[Jason Larsen]

Rolf Harris is Rolf Harris, Tony is Tony, and you all are you all.

I like how you all contribute to the forum in your very own style.

[Joe Denniss]

Having met Tony briefly, I'd say I probably agree with Jason. He thoroughly appreciated my congratulations after his first game, and I get the impression that he only comes across as being so dull because of the intensity of being on the programme. You can tell he's enjoying himself when he cracks a smile of relief after every programme. Also, his remark about putting his bottom set in was hilarious and it had the whole audience in hysterics

I don't particularly want Tony to win the series when there are several other nice people who will be in the finals, but good luck to him.

[JimBentley]

I really like him, he looks like Lou Reed and talks like Mark E. Smith, which is a very cool combination.

[Jason Larsen]

Joe, you know I told you you write very well for 14 and I did congratulate you on winning one game.

It doesn't surprise me that you met Tony because I bet your shows are taped so close together.

[Gavin Chipper]

He reminds me of Lionel Blair.

[Ralph Gillions]

He reminds me of Lionel Blair.

Their smiles are different.
*Ralph smiles*

[Jason Larsen]

I'm not sure who Lionel Blair is, but I am sure that's nothing against him.

[Gavin Chipper]

I'm not sure who Lionel Blair is, but I am sure that's nothing against him.

Tony's brother.

Tony Durrant that is.

[Jason Larsen]

Oh, that makes sense.

Family look like each other. It's no wonder if an acquaintance comes up to you and says, "You look like just one of your parents."

[Gavin Chipper]

Oh, that makes sense.

Family look like each other. It's no wonder if an acquaintance comes up to you and says, "You look like just one of your parents."

Not really. I ws joking. Just to clarify, none of Tony Durrant, Tony Blair or Lionel Blair are brothers with anyone else in the set. As for Lionel Durrant, the less said the better.

[Jason Larsen]

Oh, I wasn't sure if they were all related, but after all Tony's brother's name is Lionel Durrant, so that doesn't surprise me.

[Gavin Chipper]

but after all Tony's brother's name is Lionel Durrant.

Sounds like you know more than any of us.

[Jason Larsen]

No, I was just using my common sense.