Nick Hewer, YOU'RE HIRED!!!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:14 pm

Goodness, it might be from the Daily Mail, but it seems genuine:

Jeff Stelling is to RESIGN from Countdown at the end of Series 65.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... ds-newsxml

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:23 pm

omg. Merry-go-round, Episode 4 now on the cards.

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:25 pm

Yeah just got notified of this by Crispy from Twitter. There's no hint from @C4Countdown but like you say, even if it is the Daily Mail, it looks genuine.

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:35 pm

Can I have chips with mine?

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:41 pm

Phew, for one moment I thought Jeff Clayton had quit Countdown! Luckily it's only Jeff Stelling.

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Tue May 24, 2011 7:12 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:Phew, for one moment I thought Jeff Clayton had quit Countdown! Luckily it's only Jeff Stelling.

Jeff Clayton's last name isn't Stelling.

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Tue May 24, 2011 7:16 pm

Btw - poo

Innis Carson · Post by **Innis Carson** » Tue May 24, 2011 7:20 pm

Gutted.

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Tue May 24, 2011 7:25 pm

Kind of inevitable though especially after his workload increased with the whole Andy Gray and Richard Keys saga. Let's just blame this whole fucking thing on Sian Massey the stupid bitch. Did you see her trying to referee the Women's FA Cup final? What a joke.

Karen Pearson · Post by **Karen Pearson** » Wed May 25, 2011 7:41 am

I'm gutted. I really like Jeff. I do hope we don't go for another 'entertainment' specialist like Deso!

My votes would go to Bill Turnbull or perhaps Chris Hollins.

Ross Allatt · Post by **Ross Allatt** » Wed May 25, 2011 8:57 am

Given Chris Hollins has refused to relocate to Manchester with Breakfast not sure he'd be the most obvious candidate to start working (albeit irregularly) 3 miles down the road

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:07 am

my choices as a replacement are:
1) Jo Brand
2) Tim Vine
3) Dr Phill (thats Hammond not that touchy feely twat from America)
4) Terry Wogan
5) Ken Bruce
6) Clive Anderson

Jayne Wisniewski · Post by **Jayne Wisniewski** » Wed May 25, 2011 11:52 am

OMG gutted by this news. Jeff has been a brilliant host and has contributed to the show becoming compulsive viewing imo. As for a replacement I hope its someone who really loves the show. Someone personable who can put contestants at their ease. Hope its not Alexander Armstrong. He's mildly entertaining with Ben Miller but very dull on Pointless (mind you that programme format doesnt help). My money would be on Aled Jones.

Ross Allatt · Post by **Ross Allatt** » Wed May 25, 2011 12:35 pm

From that list above I think Ken Bruce is a great shout. He's got plenty experience of the show as a guest in DC, he's an experienced live broadcaster with a comforting persona/voice. He's smart and very quick witted. Not sure if he has much/any telly experience but he'd have no problems balancing his radio show with Countdown (broadcasts from Manchester on the days he's appearing in DC).

However, I don't think I've got one of these right since RW died

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed May 25, 2011 12:56 pm

Ross Allatt wrote:From that list above I think Ken Bruce is a great shout. He's got plenty experience of the show as a guest in DC, he's an experienced live broadcaster with a comforting persona/voice. He's smart and very quick witted. Not sure if he has much/any telly experience but he'd have no problems balancing his radio show with Countdown (broadcasts from Manchester on the days he's appearing in DC).

I agree Ken would be a good host, but broadcasting his radio show from Manchester for one (or at most two) days a year when he's in DC is a very different proposition from the 45 days a year he'd need to accommodate Countdown into his schedule. I'm absolutely positive this is a non-starter.

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Wed May 25, 2011 1:00 pm

If the next presenter is someone of average height and build, they might have to cut 5 minutes off the transmission.

If you would like to host Countdown, please send a CV, covering letter and "I'm sorry your team got relegated" card to:

Anaemia Died,
Countdown,
Yorkshire Television,
Kirkstall Road,
Leeds LS3 1JS

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed May 25, 2011 1:06 pm

Adam Gillard wrote:If the next presenter is someone of average height and build, they might have to cut 5 minutes off the transmission.

lol

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Wed May 25, 2011 3:29 pm

Apparently Stephen Fry has an inability to say no to work so they should ask him.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Wed May 25, 2011 3:41 pm

Here it is on the BBC.

Please. Not again.

JimBentley · Post by **JimBentley** » Wed May 25, 2011 4:08 pm

Phil Reynolds wrote:I agree Ken would be a good host, but broadcasting his radio show from Manchester for one (or at most two) days a year when he's in DC is a very different proposition from the 45 days a year he'd need to accommodate Countdown into his schedule. I'm absolutely positive this is a non-starter.

Although I pretty much think you're right about this, it might not be completely out of the question. Mark & Lard did their Radio 1 show from Manchester full-time for many years and were very rarely alongside the rest of the DJs in London.

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Wed May 25, 2011 4:28 pm

JimBentley wrote:
Phil Reynolds wrote:I agree Ken would be a good host, but broadcasting his radio show from Manchester for one (or at most two) days a year when he's in DC is a very different proposition from the 45 days a year he'd need to accommodate Countdown into his schedule. I'm absolutely positive this is a non-starter.
Although I pretty much think you're right about this, it might not be completely out of the question. Mark & Lard did their Radio 1 show from Manchester full-time for many years and were very rarely alongside the rest of the DJs in London.

He lives in Oxfordshire with a large family. Not likely to uproot them.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed May 25, 2011 5:51 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote:Here it is on the BBC.

Please. Not again.

No, not again. He's only quitting once - the same event has been reported several times.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Wed May 25, 2011 5:53 pm

Paddy Power (amongst one or two others) already have a market on this. Rory Bremner is favourite at 4.00, with Aled Jones and Brandreth next at 5.00. Looking down the list it's clearly just a load of bollocks (Stephen Fry at 17? Really?), but shall be interesting to see what the markets throw up once a bit more is known.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed May 25, 2011 6:32 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:Looking down the list it's clearly just a load of bollocks (Stephen Fry at 17? Really?)

Sloblock, surely.

John Bosley · Post by **John Bosley** » Thu May 26, 2011 5:35 am

Should be someone a bit old and not too bright - like Titchmarsh.
How does this affect Rachel? Surely not .......

Nicholas Randall · Post by **Nicholas Randall** » Thu May 26, 2011 7:22 am

Here is a list of replacements:

Aled Jones
Alexander Armstrong
Eamonn Holmes
Gordon Burns
Paul Merton
Rory Bremner

Out of these I would probably go for Alexander Armstrong but I don't think he will do it as he turned down the role before and he now presents Pointless which is in an early evening slot. Aled Jones would be my second choice. He does do presenting with Songs Of Praise and Escape To The Country but Countdown is a totally different programme. I don't think Eamonn Holmes will do it as he presents Sky's breakfast programme but he has been linked to presenting Countdown before. I have seen Gordon Burns's name been linked on the internet this morning as he is leaving North West Tonight in September and obviously works in Manchester so he could be the man to take over. Paul Merton has been linked before but would not be my own personal choice and again Rory Bremner has been linked before but he would not be my personal choice either.
I have been reading on a newspaper website that viewing figures are down to 600,000. I wonder if Channel 4 will let Coundown continue or will they finish it?

Nicholas

John Bosley · Post by **John Bosley** » Thu May 26, 2011 8:01 am

Perhaps it is time to look to having a woman.

Dare I say, Carol Vorderman! -- or the Gabby football expert ... perhaps Ann Widdy ?

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Thu May 26, 2011 10:25 am

Nicholas Randall wrote:Here is a list of replacements:

Aled Jones
Alexander Armstrong
Eamonn Holmes
Gordon Burns
Paul Merton
Rory Bremner

Out of these I would probably go for Alexander Armstrong but I don't think he will do it as he turned down the role before and he now presents Pointless which is in an early evening slot. Aled Jones would be my second choice. He does do presenting with Songs Of Praise and Escape To The Country but Countdown is a totally different programme. I don't think Eamonn Holmes will do it as he presents Sky's breakfast programme but he has been linked to presenting Countdown before. I have seen Gordon Burns's name been linked on the internet this morning as he is leaving North West Tonight in September and obviously works in Manchester so he could be the man to take over. Paul Merton has been linked before but would not be my own personal choice and again Rory Bremner has been linked before but he would not be my personal choice either.
I have been reading on a newspaper website that viewing figures are down to 600,000. I wonder if Channel 4 will let Coundown continue or will they finish it?

Nicholas

With many it's a matter of taste. As far as Eamonn Holmes concerned he's just an arsehole, so I wouldn't imagine they'd let him do it.

David Williams · Post by **David Williams** » Thu May 26, 2011 12:30 pm

Richard Madeley got a good press when he stood in for Chris Evans on Radio 2, and I don't suppose he's got too many other commitments. I would think he'd tick most of the boxes, even to the extent of providing the occasional Whiteley-ism.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Thu May 26, 2011 12:45 pm

Slash isn't doing much these days.

Feel free to improve this.

Tom Barnes · Post by **Tom Barnes** » Thu May 26, 2011 12:49 pm

http://www.oddschecker.com/specials/oth ... ost/winner

Not a lot of consensus among the bookies, but Stan James 20/1 about Bremner looks a bit punchy

Tracey Lilly · Post by **Tracey Lilly** » Thu May 26, 2011 1:23 pm

Very sad news - i have enjoyed the rapport between him and Rachel

Ian Volante · Post by **Ian Volante** » Thu May 26, 2011 4:37 pm

Tracey Lilly wrote:Very sad news - i have enjoyed the rapport between him and Rachel

Your enjoyment doesn't make me sad at all.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Thu May 26, 2011 6:29 pm

I don't mind doing it.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Thu May 26, 2011 6:37 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:I don't mind doing it.

That's no way to talk about Tracey.

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Thu May 26, 2011 6:53 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:
Gavin Chipper wrote:I don't mind doing it.
That's no way to talk about Tracey.

Yes it is.

Edit: Sorry, thought you meant Tracey Mills.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Fri May 27, 2011 11:22 am

Rory Bremner would be good. Can't imagine them going with Gyles, viewing figures would plummet.

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Fri May 27, 2011 3:06 pm

I hear Cheryl Cole has a bit more time on her hands than she expected.

Martin Bishop · Post by **Martin Bishop** » Fri May 27, 2011 4:51 pm

Really sad news. I think Jeff is probably the best presenter we've had. Whoever is chosen as a replacement is going to have a lot to live up to.

Not much point commenting on a replacement yet. I'm only just coming out of my state of denial over Jeff's departure.

Soph K · Post by **Soph K** » Sat May 28, 2011 1:20 pm

James Robinson wrote:Jeff Stelling is to RESIGN from Countdown at the end of Series 65.

Ah. Oh well. Whatever. He's weird anyway!! Why, you say? Well, I'll tell you why!...when I've thought about it.........But still, its not really such a big deal - firstly, it's just gossip, not nessacerily true. Secondly, the people who decide who to present Countdown won't just let someone like Mr Bean present it will they?!?!?!! Although it would be incredibly funny if it was the mr bean version of countdown - just imagine it; way more fun!!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Sat May 28, 2011 2:15 pm

Soph K wrote:
James Robinson wrote:Jeff Stelling is to RESIGN from Countdown at the end of Series 65.
when I've thought about it.........But still, its not really such a big deal - firstly, it's just gossip, not nessacerily true.

Erm, you've thought about it, Sophie. CLEARLY NOT!!!

And it's nowhere near gossip if Jeff himself says it to be true.....

Soph K · Post by **Soph K** » Sat May 28, 2011 2:51 pm

James Robinson wrote:
Soph K wrote:
James Robinson wrote:Jeff Stelling is to RESIGN from Countdown at the end of Series 65.
when I've thought about it.........But still, its not really such a big deal - firstly, it's just gossip, not nessacerily true.
Erm, you've thought about it, Sophie. CLEARLY NOT!!!

And it's nowhere near gossip if Jeff himself says it to be true.....

oh whatever!!!! anyway why do you like jeff so much?? hes just...jeff!
BTW.....jeff is weird because (basically improvements for countdown - jeff never makes it cool!!!!):
1) His jokes are always groaned at - we need someone who tells better jokes anyway!
2) His name is boring. It should be something like Kyle Lococla...much more fun to say!
3) He is boring - he just says "Start the clock"; it would be better to say, "I demand that the cool countdown clock starts to go tick tock!" (Woah i didnt actually mean that to rhyme...that phrase should be in a hollywood star poet's poem!)
4) At the end of countdown, Rachel should share some secretive fashion secret top tips for soon-to-be top model girls, especially for girls whose second name begins with K. Guess who??!
SO I THINK YOU'LL FIND THAT JEFF STELLING IS WEIRD!

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Sat May 28, 2011 2:53 pm

Soph K wrote:1) His jokes are always groaned at - we need someone who tells better jokes anyway!
2) His name is boring. It should be something like Kyle Lococla...much more fun to say!
3) He is boring - he just says "Start the clock"; it would be better to say, "I demand that the cool countdown clock starts to go tick tock!" (Woah i didnt actually mean that to rhyme...that phrase should be in a hollywood star poet's poem!)
4) At the end of countdown, Rachel should share some secretive fashion secret top tips for soon-to-be top model girls, especially for girls whose second name begins with K. Guess who??!
SO I THINK YOU'LL FIND THAT JEFF STELLING IS WEIRD!

I genuinely can't decide if 2) or 3) is better.

Soph K · Post by **Soph K** » Sat May 28, 2011 2:54 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:
Soph K wrote:1) His jokes are always groaned at - we need someone who tells better jokes anyway!
2) His name is boring. It should be something like Kyle Lococla...much more fun to say!
3) He is boring - he just says "Start the clock"; it would be better to say, "I demand that the cool countdown clock starts to go tick tock!" (Woah i didnt actually mean that to rhyme...that phrase should be in a hollywood star poet's poem!)
4) At the end of countdown, Rachel should share some secretive fashion secret top tips for soon-to-be top model girls, especially for girls whose second name begins with K. Guess who??!
SO I THINK YOU'LL FIND THAT JEFF STELLING IS WEIRD!
I genuinely can't decide if 2) or 3) is better.

**smiles**

Edit: **smiles like a cool, fashionable, half angel, half devil, because devils are cool and angels are good**

Daniel Woodhouse · Post by **Daniel Woodhouse** » Sat May 28, 2011 10:59 pm

the only other hosts who could live upto Jeff Stelling?

either Bill Turnbull, Clive Anderson or Rory bremner

but please not Aled Jones!

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:42 pm

Why have people mentioned Bill Turnbull? I only know him as some non-entity on the BBC breakfast programme. Does he have any other claim to fame?

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:45 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:Why have people mentioned Bill Turnbull? I only know him as some non-entity on the BBC breakfast programme. Does he have any other claim to fame?

I love Bill Turnbull. I wake up with him most mornings.

Martin Bishop · Post by **Martin Bishop** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:02 pm

Bill Turnbull is very good on Breakfast. He's not dissimilar to Jeff stelling in some ways. He would do a good job on Countdown, but he's clearly far too busy.

I've come up with three ideas for new hosts: John Inverdale, Colin Murray and Nick Hancock. Colin Murray would probably be too busy and I'm not sure how popular John Inverdale is with others. I'm probably unduly swayed by having been on the show with him and found him to be the nicest DC guest. I don't think Nick Hancock's up to much, though, and I thought he was very good on Duel and that other "guess the wage" show.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:54 pm

Martin Bishop wrote:Bill Turnbull is very good on Breakfast. He's not dissimilar to Jeff stelling in some ways. He would do a good job on Countdown, but he's clearly far too busy.

I have to say I don't really pay that much attention to breakfast when I have it on but I can sort of see how he is a bit similar to Jeff Stelling. But I've always considered Bill and Charlie Stayt to be interchangeable.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:56 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:Why have people mentioned Bill Turnbull? I only know him as some non-entity on the BBC breakfast programme. Does he have any other claim to fame?

Substitute "Sky Sports" for "the BBC breakfast programme" and that was exactly the reaction of most Countdown viewers to the announcement that Jeff Stelling was taking over.

Martyn Simpson · Post by **Martyn Simpson** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 7:07 pm

It's a shame to hear that Jeff is leaving, personally I have really enjoyed his time in the chair.

As for a replacement - I'd just love to see Dave Gorman take the reins.

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 7:56 pm

Personally I hope who ever ends up doing it ensures the show flops and that Rachel has to resort to doing porn.

Mark James · Post by **Mark James** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 2:22 pm

What does everyone think of this idea? Instead of having the guest in dictionary corner have a different guest host every week a la Have I Got News For You.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 2:36 pm

Mark James wrote:Personally I hope who ever ends up doing it ensures the show flops and that Rachel has to resort to doing porn.

Mark James wrote:What does everyone think of this idea?

I think it's...

Mark James wrote:Instead of having the guest in dictionary corner have a different guest host every week a la Have I Got News For You.

oh I see. Yes, this is a good idea. An amazing one. It'd be awesome to watch, if just for a series, not that I could ever see it happening.
I imagine it'd be a nightmare to organise, but you'd also think it would be a surefire way to reinject some interest in the programme.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 2:43 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:
Mark James wrote:Personally I hope who ever ends up doing it ensures the show flops and that Rachel has to resort to doing porn.

Mark James wrote:What does everyone think of this idea?
I think it's...

Mark James wrote:Instead of having the guest in dictionary corner have a different guest host every week a la Have I Got News For You.
oh I see. Yes, this is a good idea. An amazing one. It'd be awesome to watch, if just for a series, not that I could ever see it happening.
I imagine it'd be a nightmare to organise, but you'd also think it would be a surefire way to reinject some interest in the programme.

I'd thought about this, but it doesn't really make sense to me. It works on HIGNFY because the presenter is basically part of the entertainment, whereas on Countdown the presenter is primarily there just to be a bit of lubricant between rounds. It would seem really weird to have a different host every week when most of what they have to say is "let's start the clock" and "anything else from dictionary corner?".

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 2:48 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:
Matt Morrison wrote:
Mark James wrote:Instead of having the guest in dictionary corner have a different guest host every week a la Have I Got News For You.
oh I see. Yes, this is a good idea. An amazing one. It'd be awesome to watch, if just for a series, not that I could ever see it happening.
I imagine it'd be a nightmare to organise, but you'd also think it would be a surefire way to reinject some interest in the programme.
I'd thought about this, but it doesn't really make sense to me. It works on HIGNFY because the presenter is basically part of the entertainment, whereas on Countdown the presenter is primarily there just to be a bit of lubricant between rounds. It would seem really weird to have a different host every week when most of what they have to say is "let's start the clock" and "anything else from dictionary corner?".

True, hadn't thought of that. The format would have to change - the presenter would be DC at the same time. This would be quite different to the current setup (both physically and, er, programmatically?!) but would work I reckon. Plus killing two celebrities with one seat ought to make the whole thing more achievable in terms of booking availability and booking costs.

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 3:53 pm

I like this idea and if it could at all be possible at working then it should be tried. Like above, do it so that there is just the one celeb presenting and in DC and depending on who the celeb is they can do it in their own style.

Soph K · Post by **Soph K** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 6:27 pm

Ryan Taylor wrote:I love Bill Turnbull. I wake up with him most mornings.

lol.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 7:34 pm

Mark James wrote:What does everyone think of this idea? Instead of having the guest in dictionary corner have a different guest host every week a la Have I Got News For You.

Can't say I'm keen. I think it would probably be O.K. for Specials, but otherwise I can't see it working very well. For me, there's probably only a few of the guests I'd like to see in the host's chair and I suspect it would also be a pain in the fundament for the production team. After all, the host does glue the show together and, unlike HIGNFY, it's not just a case of reading an autocue - and that show also takes ages to record, as you're no doubt all aware.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:36 pm

Well that's one person out of the running then!

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a32 ... eturn.html