c4countdown

So, nice to be back in the spoiler chair after being at one of the most interesting Countdown after-parties ever.

And with all the episodes of the Stelling era now in the can, let's get back to the present for now and see what's been going on.

Following Clive Barham's defeat yesterday, Nikki Roberts cemented her place in the finals, currently in the #6 spot, but can Clive's conqueror, Julie Davis, carry on from that dramatically impressive finish yesterday

My internal sources tell me that today's challenger is a Paul Keane (I think the spelling's right, apologies if it isn't.).

Join me later for the Julie & Paul show to see what's going on.

Was it actually confirmed at the recordings that these were Jeff's last? And if so any word on when they will announce a replacement?

Yes and no, in that order.

Keith Bennett wrote:And if so any word on when they will announce a replacement?

Apparently, the "replacement" is coming down to the studio at the end of the month for a proper screen test.

Looking at the latest odds, it's quite an interesting candidate as the favourite. (Note the crap clue I left in there......... )

Nigel Short?

Robert Redford?

James Robinson wrote:

Keith Bennett wrote:And if so any word on when they will announce a replacement?

Apparently, the "replacement" is coming down to the studio at the end of the month for a proper screen test.

Looking at the latest odds, it's quite an interesting candidate as the favourite. (Note the crap clue I left in there......... )

Clive Brooker wrote:Nigel Short?

Karen Pearson wrote:Robert Redford?

Nope, more proper business.

To avoid a guessing debacle like Dave Gorman in the Others thread, I'll just tell you.

It's Nick Hewer out of The Apprentice. Quite an interesting choice, if true.

Nothing about the Nick Hewer thing is confirmed and that inappropriately jumps the gun. He is merely the odds leader and a strong candidate.

It's also not even a secret - a list can be found on any betting site you choose.

We asked everyone we saw, both on and off the record, in and out of the gallery. No one gave a answer because no one could. A decision has not been made.

Right, back to today's game.............

Not a bad start for Paul, althought I'm sure he'll want to forget those last 2 numbers games...........

MALEATES in round 6, NEMESIA in round 9, REGULI & GIRLIE in round 12.

2nd Numbers Alts.: ((100 + 50) x 4) - 10 - 8 = 582, ((50 - 5 + 4) x 10) + 100 - 8 = 582
3rd Numbers Alt.: ((9 x 2) + 7) x 4 x 8 = 800

I've just started this having not watched for a few weeks, and.... what the fucking fuck? Has Rachel had some work done or is there just some duty scaffolding hidden away there?

Don't worry, she's not had work done. She's just got a hell of a wardrobe.

Mark Deeks wrote:We asked everyone we saw, both on and off the record, in and out of the gallery. No one gave a answer because no one could. A decision has not been made.

This is what puzzles me. Unless the programme is taking a considerable break after this series ends it's pretty astonishing if they haven't got a solution by now - they've had since May to work something out for goodness sake.
Even though they may not be looking for big names anybody they want is likely to have their diary well planned out already for the next year at least, and probably for the early part of 2013 too.

If they don't know who the presenter is, then how can they confirm recording dates, book studio time and DC guests, make sure contestants are available and issue audience tickets? Allowing for Christmas holidays January programmes must surely be in the can by early to mid-December.

Suppose it is Nick Hewer, as suggested. The Apprentice apparently takes a couple of months or so to record; and whilst it may not need Nick every day it would be surprising if his contract with that programme isn't already set in stone. I can't imagine him having the freedom to flit in and out of the Boardroom just for a panel game. Lord Sugar v Damian Eadie, no contest is there?

I think an apterite should apply - wonder if Paul Sinha would be interested? Or are we heading for the indecision of "Guset Presenters" as was going to happen when RW was ill, but expected to recover?

God, Paul would be fucking excellent. Great shout. He loves quizzing too much though obviously. Still, nice shout.

It'd be real unfortunate if Countdown's strange if sparse filming schedule were inflexibly coincident with The Apprentice's one. That's a hurdle they can surely work around.

Also, I have no idea who Nick Hewer is.

I think an apterite should apply

Ned Pendleton kind of did

Did anyone else try GIRLIER^ in the UGLIER round?

Mark Deeks wrote:Don't worry, she's not had work done. She's just got a hell of a wardrobe.

Yeah, I became more convinced as the show went on that that was the case. It was just a bit of an initial shock. I almost leapt out of my seat! (pants)

Mark Deeks wrote:It'd be real unfortunate if Countdown's strange if sparse filming schedule were inflexibly coincident with The Apprentice's one. That's a hurdle they can surely work around.

Yes, of course they should be able to work round it. But given 7 months notice you'd think they should be able to come up with a new presenter without it going to the wire.

James Robinson wrote:It's Nick Hewer out of The Apprentice. Quite an interesting choice, if true.

Is/was he a contestant on the Apprentice, or are there other presenters apart from that miserable old bloke who shouts at people?

Nick Hewer could be good - and at least we wouldn't have to talk about football all the bloody time.

John Bosley wrote:Nick Hewer could be good - and at least we wouldn't have to talk about football all the bloody time.

He'd be doing that "sniffing a fart" face all the time when the contestants offered something dodgy though.

Nick Hewer would be great.

Jon O'Neill wrote:Nick Hewer would be great.

Bizarrely, having watched almost every series of The Apprentice, I couldn't really tell either way. I mean, I like Nick in the show, and he often makes me laugh, but there isn't that much to his contribution beyond the odd amusing face and a statement of the obvious. And even when he appears on the aftershow, he is obviously shackled somewhat by not really being able to be seen to disagree with Lord Sugar (which is unfortunate, considering he talks a load of shit).

But I've got no real reason to believe he wouldn't be great, any more than I have to think he would.

Oh yeah, I also thought that the camera caught Paul having a sly look down Julie's top as she leaned over to show him her paper (numbers I think). I didn't bother to go back and look at it again, anyone else catch that?

Jon Corby wrote:

Jon O'Neill wrote:Nick Hewer would be great.

Bizarrely, having watched almost every series of The Apprentice, I couldn't really tell either way. I mean, I like Nick in the show, and he often makes me laugh, but there isn't that much to his contribution beyond the odd amusing face and a statement of the obvious. And even when he appears on the aftershow, he is obviously shackled somewhat by not really being able to be seen to disagree with Lord Sugar (which is unfortunate, considering he talks a load of shit).

But I've got no real reason to believe he wouldn't be great, any more than I have to think he would.

Well he obviously has a good sense of comic timing.

Other things going for him are that he is going to be well-received by oldies, but he also has a cultish set of young fans, a bit like Stelling really.