New Host

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:09 pm

Sorry, in my thirst for pictures of Rachel I forgot to say "well done, this is absolutely brilliant news"

Matthew Green · Post by **Matthew Green** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:10 pm

Is she fit?????

Nicely done Damien, now you just need David Mitchell or Michael Macintyre in DC and youve got the best line up on TV!

David Roe · Post by **David Roe** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:26 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Where are the pictures of Rachel?

Bearing in mind this is the Sun, perhaps it's as well they don't have any archive photos?

Jennifer Turner · Post by **Jennifer Turner** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:36 pm

Junaid Mubeen wrote:As for Rachel: "There’s only one cool maths job around..." - so true.

But since Marcus du Sautoy isn't going to be retiring any time soon, she'll have to settle for doing Countdown instead.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:40 pm

Jennifer Turner wrote:
Junaid Mubeen wrote:As for Rachel: "There’s only one cool maths job around..." - so true.
But since Marcus du Sautoy isn't going to be retiring any time soon, she'll have to settle for doing Countdown instead.

Hehe, when I heard it was going to be a blonde bombshell from Oxford I could only think of du Sautoy, but thankfully not.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:46 pm

Can I just say that this was an absolute masterstroke on behalf of the production team as well:

"She was tested on her maths skills and abilities in front of the camera before being offered the part."

The Sun is so useful.

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:49 pm

Jon Corby wrote:
Damian E wrote:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sh ... 957136.ece
Where are the pictures of Rachel?

Congratulations to Rachel Riley and I look forward to seeing her in action as the new Carol in the next series

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:52 pm

Can't wait to meet them!

Paul Gallen · Post by **Paul Gallen** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:50 pm

Just heard the news- really happy that Stelling is doing it over Armstrong. He is excellent on Gilette Soccer Saturday and with that being his only TV work at the moment, Stelling will be a much more permanent fixture than Lynam and O Connor. I remember an interview with Stelling in Fourtfourtwo magazine and he said that he revised league tables, results and loads of stats for hours every day for each Saturday afternoon so he should definitely understand the programme's appeal and the mindsets of the contestants. Great choice, well done Damian.

Paul

Lee Simmonds · Post by **Lee Simmonds** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:02 pm

This is excellent news!

The best thing about Soccer Saturday is Jeff. How long before he gets James Brown dancing on his desk...

... or maybe Rachel

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:20 pm

I myself, still would've preferred Armstong over Sterling, but Jeff might actually do a good job, so I am actually curious now to see how he does.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:44 pm

Awesome news, can't wait for the c of c and the new series after!

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:37 pm

I am so happy!

I'm happy for the Countdown crew and I must admit, Jeff Stelling grew on me.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:23 pm

Hopefully this means Chris Kamara in the DC.

Dan Vanniasingham · Post by **Dan Vanniasingham** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:36 pm

"Unbelievable Jeff - there's a 9!"

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:45 pm

Dan Vanniasingham wrote:"Unbelievable Jeff - there's a 9!"

Hahaha, yes

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:51 pm

Unbelievable. Jeff! (On preview Dan just beat me to that one. Would be amazing to have Kamara in DC

)

Great choice in my book, looking forward to seeing him settle in. Rachel seems lovely too, I'm sure they'll both take to it very quickly.

Lesley Jeavons · Post by **Lesley Jeavons** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:56 pm

Jeff and Rachel both look like appropriate and good choices.

A wee-bitty safe and predictable IMO though - old pro and young totty.

You know, like Des and Mel, etc... Should've got Richard and Judy - to buck the trend.

I've only ever read about Jeff before in the Radio Times and the article was really interesting, but I've never seen him in action. I just hope that sport related talk isn't introduced in to the show too much...

I'm sure before long they'll have settled right in and their company will be enjoyed by us all.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:11 pm

Hmm, all very interesting, but it will take me a while to get used to Jeff I think, so at present I don't share the enthusiasm of most posters (sorry, Damian). As I'm not a fan of Sky Sports, I don't really know much about him, but I will certainly be tuning in and giving him a try. As for Rachel, she is obviously very easy on the eye and I'm sure she will have the personality to carry it off. Hope it goes well, I really want to like it!!

Richard Brittain · Post by **Richard Brittain** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:31 pm

I think Jeff Stelling is an excellent choice.

Jason Larsen · Post by **Jason Larsen** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:44 pm

If Jeff can just make toning down a habit, then he would be a great host.

But, I just might send the very first e-mail of Series 60 and congratulate Jeff and Rachel on getting the job!

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:05 pm

Mike Brown wrote:Hmm, all very interesting, but it will take me a while to get used to Jeff I think, so at present I don't share the enthusiasm of most posters (sorry, Damian). As I'm not a fan of Sky Sports, I don't really know much about him, but I will certainly be tuning in and giving him a try. As for Rachel, she is obviously very easy on the eye and I'm sure she will have the personality to carry it off. Hope it goes well, I really want to like it!!

Don't be sorry Mike. If you don't know much about him, its natural that you can't have an over-enthusiastic opinion.

That said, we know plenty about him and i personally think he'll be the best presenter we've ever had.

Steven Briers · Post by **Steven Briers** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:52 pm

I agree with the general consensus that Jeff Stelling would be a good host. I've only ever seen him a couple of times on Sky Sports but he seems to fit the criteria. I wonder if there'll be a revamp of the set to launch the new era as well.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:06 pm

Steven Briers wrote:I agree with the general consensus that Jeff Stelling would be a good host. I've only ever seen him a couple of times on Sky Sports but he seems to fit the criteria. I wonder if there'll be a revamp of the set to launch the new era as well.

Yes, brand new set. New chairs, new cue cards, new titles, new potatoes.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:32 pm

Damian E wrote:That said, we know plenty about him and i personally think he'll be the best presenter we've ever had.

I'm sure you do know plenty about him and I certainly respect your ability to choose someone good! (and I presume you had quite a say in the proceedings). Best presenter ever? That's quite a statement. I think Richard will always be so synonymous to me (and lots of others) with Countdown that I don't think I will ever quite think that, but it's certainly very encouraging to hear you say it.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:35 pm

Damian E wrote:Yes, brand new set. New chairs, new cue cards, new titles, new potatoes.

New letters and numbers? If so, maybe you could sell off the old ones for charity? I'd give you a few quid for one and I'm sure Charlie would pay at least a pony for the letter K.

Joseph Bolas · Post by **Joseph Bolas** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:43 pm

Mike Brown wrote:
Damian E wrote:That said, we know plenty about him and i personally think he'll be the best presenter we've ever had.
I'm sure you do know plenty about him and I certainly respect your ability to choose someone good! (and I presume you had quite a say in the proceedings). Best presenter ever? That's quite a statement. I think Richard will always be so synonymous to me (and lots of others) with Countdown that I don't think I will ever quite think that, but it's certainly very encouraging to hear you say it.

I agree with you Mike, Richard was, and will always be the best presenter ever.

I liked Richard's puns and his dress sense, especially when he ended up in the news for when he wore the tie with COUNTDOWN on it and the mike covered up the O of COUNT

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:46 pm

Will this feud between Mike and Damian never end?

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:54 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Will this feud between Mike and Damian never end?

No feud. I think Mike is entitled to his opinion. Can't say the same for bowl ass though, who is turning into a first-class turkey.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:56 pm

Damian E wrote:No feud. I think Mike is entitled to his opinion. Can't say the same for bowl ass though, who is turning into a first-class turkey.

Bah, it was only really for Julian's benefit anyway, and he's not here anymore (although he might still lurk...)

Since you mention Joseph though, is the rumour true that he's going to be invited back on the show for a second go?

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:04 pm

Jon Corby wrote:
Damian E wrote:No feud. I think Mike is entitled to his opinion. Can't say the same for bowl ass though, who is turning into a first-class turkey.
Bah, it was only really for Julian's benefit anyway, and he's not here anymore (although he might still lurk...)

Since you mention Joseph though, is the rumour true that he's going to be invited back on the show for a second go?

Has he been on before? I don't remember it.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:08 pm

Mike Brown wrote:
Damian E wrote:That said, we know plenty about him and i personally think he'll be the best presenter we've ever had.
I'm sure you do know plenty about him and I certainly respect your ability to choose someone good! (and I presume you had quite a say in the proceedings). Best presenter ever? That's quite a statement. I think Richard will always be so synonymous to me (and lots of others) with Countdown that I don't think I will ever quite think that, but it's certainly very encouraging to hear you say it.

Sure, i get what you are saying Mike, but how does synonymy relate to being a better presenter?

And bear in mind, time marches on. The world turns. How many people under 25 have ever heard of Esther Rantzen, Timmy Mallet, Kilroy-Silk and some crooner from a 70's band called Dollar? Nostalgia sometimes clouds reality. That's my take on it anyway.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:12 pm

Damian E wrote:Sure, i get what you are saying Mike, but how does synonymy relate to being a better presenter?

And bear in mind, time marches on. The world turns. How many people under 25 have ever heard of Esther Rantzen, Timmy Mallet, Kilroy-Silk and some crooner from a 70's band called Dollar? Nostalgia sometimes clouds reality. That's my take on it anyway.

I don't disagree with what you're saying, Damian, I'm just getting old!

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:19 pm

Damian E wrote:How many people under 25 have ever heard of Esther Rantzen, Timmy Mallet, Kilroy-Silk and some crooner from a 70's band called Dollar?

Mentioning Dollar, I once wrote a letter to "Jim'll Fix It" asking to kiss Thereza Bazar (spelling?) from Dollar. I'm guessing I would have been about 6 or 7, and her mid-20s.

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:20 pm

Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:21 pm

I once wrote asking for a school coat. And no i am not kidding.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:22 pm

John Bradley wrote:Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.

Is this in relation to Jeff or Rachel, or both?

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:23 pm

John Bradley wrote:Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.

So you'll hold fire until January, but only after you've already fired?

Hmm. Leave it with me.

Okay, you think its cheap. Let's pretend you have £50m to spend for a year. Tell me who you'd choose.

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:25 pm

Jon Corby wrote:
John Bradley wrote:Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.
Is this in relation to Jeff or Rachel, or both?

I suppose both - but really Jeff. Rachel less so as it mirrors Carol's story. I can always watch with the sound down! As I say, will hold fire 'til Jan.

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:28 pm

Damian E wrote:
John Bradley wrote:Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.

So you'll hold fire until January, but only after you've already fired?

Hmm. Leave it with me.

Okay, you think its cheap. Let's pretend you have £50m to spend for a year. Tell me who you'd choose.

Well I'm sure there will be some saving in salaries?!?!? Just initial thoughts - for £50m a year I'll do it.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:29 pm

John Bradley wrote:
Damian E wrote:
John Bradley wrote:Not so enthusiastic but I will hold fire until January.
To me, shows a lack of ambition for the show - someone who'll do it and who's cheap - keep our heads down and get on with it.

So you'll hold fire until January, but only after you've already fired?

Hmm. Leave it with me.

Okay, you think its cheap. Let's pretend you have £50m to spend for a year. Tell me who you'd choose.
Well I'm sure there will be some saving in salaries?!?!? Just initial thoughts - for £50m a year I'll do it.

Terrible answer to a ridiculous post.

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:31 pm

Well I'm sure there will be some saving in salaries?!?!? Just initial thoughts - for £50m a year I'll do it.[/quote]

Terrible answer to a ridiculous post.[/quote]

Thank you.
Yes, best not to have an opinion.
Stephen Fry.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:41 pm

John Bradley wrote:Well I'm sure there will be some saving in salaries?!?!? Just initial thoughts - for £50m a year I'll do it.

Terrible answer to a ridiculous post.[/quote]

Thank you.
Yes, best not to have an opinion.
Stephen Fry.[/quote]

No sure, you've given an opinion, albeit very cloudy. Negative comments first, but then you say you'll wait until January. Thats very civil of you, giving them at least 1 minute of airtime. Then you say both appointments are cheap. And in answer to my question of who you would get for £50m, you say you'd do it, then as an afterthought, Stephen Fry.

So what about the numbers job?

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:48 pm

Damian E wrote:
John Bradley wrote:Well I'm sure there will be some saving in salaries?!?!? Just initial thoughts - for £50m a year I'll do it.
Terrible answer to a ridiculous post.

Thank you.
Yes, best not to have an opinion.
Stephen Fry.[/quote]

No sure, you've given an opinion, albeit very cloudy. Negative comments first, but then you say you'll wait until January. Thats very civil of you, giving them at least 1 minute of airtime. Then you say both appointments are cheap. And in answer to my question of who you would get for £50m, you say you'd do it, then as an afterthought, Stephen Fry.

So what about the numbers job?[/quote]

So this is amusing.
Not sure it can be anything but cloudy as I have yet to see them perform. It's not a negative comment on purpose, it was my inital reaction. Fry wasn't an after thought, it was an attempt at comedy.
Numbers job completely different - she has a great story - I even read the Daily Mail, the DAILY MAIL story.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:53 pm

I really should know better.

John Bradley · Post by **John Bradley** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:17 pm

Damian E wrote:I really should know better.

Amusing though.

Harry Whitehouse · Post by **Harry Whitehouse** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 1:40 pm

I think the choice of Jeff Stelling is a brilliantly imaginative.

The guy is just so unaffected and demonstrative that he will bring a very welcome new element to the show.

I have hated the Deso run, with his fumbling and mumbling, but I'm really looking forward to Stelling - I'm in the audience a fortnight on Monday, so I'll get an early insight.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 1:52 pm

harry wrote: I'm in the audience a fortnight on Monday, so I'll get an early insight.

Then You'll be watching me in action against the worryingly good Peter Davies

Make sure you come and say hi before/after, it's always nice to meet people who are otherwise virtual apparitions.

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:35 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
harry wrote: I'm in the audience a fortnight on Monday, so I'll get an early insight.
Then You'll be watching me in action against the worryingly good Peter Davies Make sure you come and say hi before/after, it's always nice to meet people who are otherwise virtual apparitions.

I'll be there as well, probably in the audience

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:20 pm

Damian E wrote:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sh ... 957136.ece

So you told The Sun, and waited long enough for them to write an article on it before telling us. How upsetting. I might cry.

Jeff Clayton · Post by **Jeff Clayton** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 4:10 pm

I look forward to seeing the new Countdown and take this opportunity to wish all staff a successful continuation.

Obviously the main host's first name is legendary, and our new co-host hails from a superb part of the country! What more could we want!

Jeff

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:59 pm

Awesome news. Will bea great host.

I AM EXCITED

Joe Denniss · Post by **Joe Denniss** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:23 pm

There's a funny Youtube video of Jeff Stelling in action on Sky Sports...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFZnHEmVWKc

Possible a little strange too...

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:26 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:
Damian E wrote:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sh ... 957136.ece
So you told The Sun, and waited long enough for them to write an article on it before telling us. How upsetting. I might cry.

I'd ask for an explanation of the above, but cannot risk being bored to death by your shite.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:39 pm

Joe Denniss wrote:There's a funny Youtube video of Jeff Stelling in action on Sky Sports...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFZnHEmVWKc

Possible a little strange too...

I posted these links earlier in the thread but fear they have been drowned out so in case you missed them, here's Jeff Stelling at his supreme best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdBuDSEokz0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBXjkTwp-G8

Oliver Garner · Post by **Oliver Garner** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:33 am

In the CofC and in Series 60, i wonder how many people will ask for a consonant or a vowel from carol rather than from rachel

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:30 pm

Damian E wrote:
Gavin Chipper wrote:
Damian E wrote:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sh ... 957136.ece
So you told The Sun, and waited long enough for them to write an article on it before telling us. How upsetting. I might cry.
I'd ask for an explanation of the above, but cannot risk being bored to death by your shite.

Your own shite doesn't seem to bore you to death.

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:41 pm

I haven't a clue who either of them are, so can't really comment on whether I think they'll do a good job. I'll have to wait and see.
I was rather disappointed that Alexander Armstrong pulled out, but such is life.

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:33 pm

I had never seen Jeff Stelling so I have now watched him on YouTube.
He is a bit "in your face" (I think that's the expression) isn't he?
I hope he doesn't rant on Countdown.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:50 pm

Ralph wrote:I had never seen Jeff Stelling so I have now watched him on YouTube.
He is a bit "in your face" (I think that's the expression) isn't he?
I hope he doesn't rant on Countdown.

Those clips are great precisely because he's normally so calm and professional even when relaying live results from about 100 games at once.