Countdown star Susie Dent has revealed the identity of two Hollywood stars who “apparently” watch the show.
The long-running Channel 4 game show, which has been on the air since 1982, recently welcomed new presenter Colin Murray. He replaced Anne Robinson.
While promoting his new stint as host, Murray and his co-stars Dent and Rachel Riley were asked about their favourite Dictionary Corner guests, to which Murray named Richard Osman.
Riley opted for Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Chris Packham and Tim Rice, whom she said were “all incredible”.
Dent, who sits next to the dictionary corner celebrity guest, remained hesitant to name one, telling Metro.co.uk it was “impossible to choose”.
Dent said she has “the best seat in the house sitting next to so many fascinating guests”.
When asked if they “know of any unexpected fans of the show”, Dent said that former host Richard Whiteley “always reminded us that...
The long-running Channel 4 game show, which has been on the air since 1982, recently welcomed new presenter Colin Murray. He replaced Anne Robinson.
While promoting his new stint as host, Murray and his co-stars Dent and Rachel Riley were asked about their favourite Dictionary Corner guests, to which Murray named Richard Osman.
Riley opted for Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Chris Packham and Tim Rice, whom she said were “all incredible”.
Dent, who sits next to the dictionary corner celebrity guest, remained hesitant to name one, telling Metro.co.uk it was “impossible to choose”.
Dent said she has “the best seat in the house sitting next to so many fascinating guests”.
When asked if they “know of any unexpected fans of the show”, Dent said that former host Richard Whiteley “always reminded us that...
- 1/18/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
On the 23rd of March 2020 two historic addresses were made to the nation. One, by the UK Prime Minister, outlined the rules of lockdown in response to the coronavirus threat. The other, by Alex Horne, outlined the rules of Task 1 in #Hometasking, a first-class wheeze from the Taskmaster team designed to keep people cheerfully occupied and doing silly things for fun exactly when we needed it most.
The government told us not to travel, shop or socialise. Alex Horne told us to throw a piece of A4 paper into a bin… spectacularly. Most spectacular throw wins. People around the world leapt at the chance. Literally. They back-flipped. They headered. They engineered. They used pets, Skidoos and a baby on a Roomba.
That was just the beginning. Over the lockdown weeks, a further 19 hometasks followed, with entries compiled into results videos judged by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The 20th and...
The government told us not to travel, shop or socialise. Alex Horne told us to throw a piece of A4 paper into a bin… spectacularly. Most spectacular throw wins. People around the world leapt at the chance. Literally. They back-flipped. They headered. They engineered. They used pets, Skidoos and a baby on a Roomba.
That was just the beginning. Over the lockdown weeks, a further 19 hometasks followed, with entries compiled into results videos judged by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The 20th and...
- 6/18/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Channel 4
Countdown is about as quintessentially British as you can get, just behind afternoon tea, rainy summers and finding out that all your childhood heroes are sexual deviants. The game show has long been an institution of British television, with over 6,000 episodes aired on Channel 4.
First broadcast in 1982, Countdown is one of the longest-running game shows of all time. For over two decades, the show was known for its hosting duo of Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman, until Whiteley’s death in 2005 and Vorderman’s departure in 2008.
While Countdown isn’t exactly the most edgy thing to have been aired on British TV, the show has become known for bad puns and occasionally raunchy innuendo. Much of this comes from the randomised letters that are presented on the board, which have managed to spell out full words more than once.
This list takes a look at 17 of the...
Countdown is about as quintessentially British as you can get, just behind afternoon tea, rainy summers and finding out that all your childhood heroes are sexual deviants. The game show has long been an institution of British television, with over 6,000 episodes aired on Channel 4.
First broadcast in 1982, Countdown is one of the longest-running game shows of all time. For over two decades, the show was known for its hosting duo of Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman, until Whiteley’s death in 2005 and Vorderman’s departure in 2008.
While Countdown isn’t exactly the most edgy thing to have been aired on British TV, the show has become known for bad puns and occasionally raunchy innuendo. Much of this comes from the randomised letters that are presented on the board, which have managed to spell out full words more than once.
This list takes a look at 17 of the...
- 10/5/2014
- by Tom Butler
- Obsessed with Film
Countdown celebrates its 6,000th show today (September 5) by receiving an award from Guinness World Records.
The Channel 4 programme has aired the most series for a TV game show, and is awarded the prize from an official Guinness World Records adjudicator.
Countdown was the first ever show broadcast on Channel 4 when it launched in November 1982, and has gone on to air 70 series.
Presenter Nick Hewer said: "It is a huge honour to front Countdown, now recognised by Guinness World Records for its longevity.
"Having 32 years under its belt, I am only a novice, coming up to three years on the show. But, I and the whole team, am incredibly proud to be part of such a durable and intelligent format that relies on intellect rather than prize money."
Rachel Riley added: "I'm proud to be part of such a great show that not only has its place in British psyche...
The Channel 4 programme has aired the most series for a TV game show, and is awarded the prize from an official Guinness World Records adjudicator.
Countdown was the first ever show broadcast on Channel 4 when it launched in November 1982, and has gone on to air 70 series.
Presenter Nick Hewer said: "It is a huge honour to front Countdown, now recognised by Guinness World Records for its longevity.
"Having 32 years under its belt, I am only a novice, coming up to three years on the show. But, I and the whole team, am incredibly proud to be part of such a durable and intelligent format that relies on intellect rather than prize money."
Rachel Riley added: "I'm proud to be part of such a great show that not only has its place in British psyche...
- 9/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Carol Vorderman breaks down in tears over the loss of presenter Richard Whiteley on 'Piers Morgan's Life Stories'. The host becomes upset when discussing the death of the 'Countdown' star, whom she worked with for more than 20 years. As she wells up, Carol says: '''It still hurts very much. I loved him, I really loved him. '''He was more than just nice, he was funny, funny, funny. Every time we were in studio together I would cry laughing. He was just a joy to be with and I loved him. Not in that way, just a genuine, pure thing.'' Carol...
- 4/27/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Carol Vorderman has said that the death of her former Countdown colleague Richard Whiteley "still hurts very much". The Loose Women host starred alongside Whiteley on the Channel 4 gameshow from its 1982 premiere until his death in 2005. "It still hurts very much. We worked together for 23 years," she said during filming of Piers Morgan's Life Stories. "It was a total and utter joy to be with him. It was special, we loved each other - though not in that way." Declaring that Countdown "wasn't the same after Richard died", Vorderman admitted that she could somewhat understand why producers "wanted [her] out" in time for its 2009 revamp. "It was six months before my contract was due to end and I knew there were budget cuts," she recalled. "I said I'd take a third, (more)...
- 3/11/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
The Apprentice star Nick Hewer's first pictures on the set of Channel 4 quiz show Countdown have been revealed. Hewer will replace Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling as the host of the long-running daytime series in the New Year. The former PR consultant follows in the footsteps of previous hosts Des O'Connor, Des Lynam and Richard Whiteley. Maths expert Rachel Riley and Dictionary Corner chair Susie Dent are both returning to the show. Speaking about his appointment earlier this year, Hewer (more)...
- 12/21/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Dame Judi Dench will be the star of a British school's Christmas play this year after agreeing to voice one of the characters.
Pupils at the Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire, England wrote to the Shakespeare In Love actress asking her to appear in their production, and they were stunned when Dench replied.
She agreed to record lines for the role of the giant in their production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods - and the students are delighted with their new co-star.
Andrew Beales, the school's foundation director, says, "(The children are) really, really thrilled. They weren't really expecting to get her to agree to do it. It will be very inspiring for the kids to step on stage with Judi's voice behind them."
The play runs from 1 December until 3 December at the school's Richard Whiteley Theatre, which has boasted Dench as a patron since 2007.
Pupils at the Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire, England wrote to the Shakespeare In Love actress asking her to appear in their production, and they were stunned when Dench replied.
She agreed to record lines for the role of the giant in their production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods - and the students are delighted with their new co-star.
Andrew Beales, the school's foundation director, says, "(The children are) really, really thrilled. They weren't really expecting to get her to agree to do it. It will be very inspiring for the kids to step on stage with Judi's voice behind them."
The play runs from 1 December until 3 December at the school's Richard Whiteley Theatre, which has boasted Dench as a patron since 2007.
- 11/18/2011
- WENN
In a totally left field and completely unpredictable choice, 67 year old Nick Hewer has been hired as the new permanent presenter of Channel 4′s daytime gameshow Countdown.
Lord Alan Sugar’s long-term adviser and who in recent years has rose to fame on television with his dry wit, his acerbic putdowns, his unique physical ability to look knowledgeable, bemused and excitable all in one expression as Sugar’s sidekick on The Apprentice, will make his first on-air appearance on January 9th. His first run of episodes will be shot next month.
Hewer replaces the popular Jeff Stelling who leaves the show after finding it too difficult to film a daily quiz program along with his increasing work as a Sky Sports Presenter where he has become the main face of Champions League football in the wake of the resignation of Richard Keys, not to mention his exhaustible Soccer Saturday gig.
Lord Alan Sugar’s long-term adviser and who in recent years has rose to fame on television with his dry wit, his acerbic putdowns, his unique physical ability to look knowledgeable, bemused and excitable all in one expression as Sugar’s sidekick on The Apprentice, will make his first on-air appearance on January 9th. His first run of episodes will be shot next month.
Hewer replaces the popular Jeff Stelling who leaves the show after finding it too difficult to film a daily quiz program along with his increasing work as a Sky Sports Presenter where he has become the main face of Champions League football in the wake of the resignation of Richard Keys, not to mention his exhaustible Soccer Saturday gig.
- 11/16/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
The Apprentice star Nick Hewer has been announced as the new host of Countdown. Channel 4 confirmed that Lord Alan Sugar's aide will take over from Jeff Stelling when filming of the long-running gameshow recommences at the end of the year. Hewer's first episode as Countdown host will air on January 9, 2012. "I'm flattered to have been asked to present such an iconic programme and will work hard to justify sitting in the same seat as such great talents as Jeff Stelling, Des O'Connor and of course the great Richard Whiteley," Hewer commented. "It's particularly fitting that I should be doing this now as my spelling has started to slip quite badly. I used to be able to spell chrysanthemum." Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt said of the announcement: "Nick will be a (more)...
- 11/16/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Britain's Queen Elizabeth has sent a message of congratulations to UK TV show 'Countdown' to mark its 5,000th episode. In a letter to the programme - presented by Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley - the queen's secretary wrote: ''Her Majesty has asked me to say that she was interested to learn of the event and sends her good wishes to you and to everyone involved with the show. Congratulations on this significant achievement.'' The programme, which broadcasts the milestone episode today (26.03.10), has run for more than 50 series since its inception in 1982, and was hosted for many years by the late Richard Whiteley and mathematician Carol Vorderman. Today's show will also welcome back former host, sports reporter Des...
- 3/26/2010
- Monsters and Critics
The Channel 4 chief who was accused of forcing Carol Vorderman out of her Countdown job has fallen victim to a revenge attack, according to a report. The Daily Mail claims that Helen Warner was at a broadcasting awards ceremony on Wednesday night when a man approached her, threw an ice bucket over her head, and announced: "This is for f****** over Carol". Vorderman quit the Channel 4 gameshow in July last year, claiming that she had been told to take a 90% pay cut or stand down from the programme. Reports later alleged that Warner, Channel 4's Head of Daytime, had warned Vorderman: "Countdown easily survived without Richard Whiteley. (more)...
- 1/24/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Jeff Stelling has promised that he will maintain the tradition of "awful puns" on Countdown. The quiz show's new presenter said that his humour would be similar to former hosts Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam and Des O'Connor. "There will still be the awful puns," he told The Mirror. "I think one of the things that appealed to the producers is the humour - the good, bad and indifferent humour, well, mainly bad!" Meanwhile, Stelling laughed off claims that he may become a sex symbol for an older (more)...
- 1/8/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Carol Vorderman has reportedly named her new home Sloblock Hall in reference to a running gag on Countdown. According to The Sun, the former quiz show star is applying for permission from her council to use the name, which is an anagram of b****cks. Sloblock originated from a sketch on A Bit Of Fry & Laurie which spoofed Countdown's letters game by randomly pulling out the lewd anagram. Afterwards, hosts Richard Whiteley and Vorderman regularly joked (more)...
- 1/6/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Carol Vorderman has made her last appearance on Countdown after 26 years on the show. The 47-year-old appeared in over 4,500 episodes but announced in July that she planned to step down from the programme. The episode was preceded by a half-hour tribute to Vorderman, hosted by dictionary corner guest Gyles Brandreth. Presenter Des O'Connor described her as a "gem and a rock", adding: "We'll all miss you". Vorderman joined the programme in 1982 as a maths expert. Her initial role was to check contestants' sums in the numbers round but eventually she was promoted to then-host Richard Whiteley's (more)...
- 12/12/2008
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley have been confirmed as the new presenters of Countdown. Stelling, who presents Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports, will take over from Des O'Connor as host of the Channel 4 quiz in January. "I am delighted to be hosting Countdown and follow in the footsteps of such great broadcasters as Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam and Des O'Connor," the father-of-three told The Sun. Riley, who replaces Carol Vorderman as co-presenter, (more)...
- 11/21/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
If you thought that a UK TV host with a talent for arithmetic and one of rock 'n' roll's foremost hellraisers wouldn't have much in common then you obviously need to read this instalment of Six Degrees Of Separation. Departing Countdown co-host Carol Vorderman and Aerosmith's Steve Tyler might be poles apart, but with the help of a few other famous faces, including a silver-haired smoothy, a Lancashire comic and an Office receptionist, they can be brought together. Read on to find out how maths and music can unite thanks to six disparate celebs. Carol Vorderman to... Des Lynam - It's difficult to imagine Channel 4's flagship show Countdown without Carol at the numbers board. Nevertheless, producers say the show must go on and the hunt for a new brain box is underway. After the sad passing of Richard Whiteley in 2005, Carol (more)...
- 8/3/2008
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Late Countdown host Richard Whiteley would be "appalled" by the way Carol Vorderman has been treated by the show's bosses, according to his former partner. Kathryn Apanowicz, who lived with Whiteley for the last eight years of his life, accused producers of behaving in a "callous" manner during their recent dealings with Vorderman. Carol announced that she was quitting the show after 26 years last week. She later claimed that programme makers "forced" her out by threatening to cut her salary by 90%. Vorderman also revealed that one producer had warned her: "Countdown easily survived without Richard Whiteley. It can easily survive without you." Apanowicz confirmed: "As Richard's partner I can say he would be appalled. And I am more (more)...
- 7/28/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Carol Vorderman did not feel that she could bond with another Countdown co-host, her manager has revealed. The TV star announced that she is quitting the Channel 4 game show yesterday, just days after current frontman Des O'Connor's departure was confirmed. Vorderman has appeared on the programme since its premiere in 1982. As well as O'Connor, she has also presented alongside Des Lynam and the late Richard Whiteley. Speaking about a new host joining the show, Vorderman's manager John Miles explained: "She didn't think she could go through that process again. She just feels (more)...
- 7/26/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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