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Written by yorkguides.co.uk
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By Paul Robinson
IT'S news that will give fans of TV institution Countdown a much-needed morale boost. Bosses at Channel 4 today confirmed that the game show WILL be returning to the nation's screens in the near future.
There had been speculation in some quarters that the programme – filmed at the Yorkshire Television studios in Leeds – could be axed following the death of its inimitable host Richard Whiteley.
But a spokeswoman for the station told the YEP that the search for a new presenter was now well under way, with an announcement expected "fairly soon".
She refused to be drawn, however, on the names currently in the running to succeed Whiteley.
Reports yesterday said that former House Party star Noel Edmonds and housewives' favourite Des Lynam were at the head of the queue for the job. Other contenders are believed to include funnyman Paul Merton and comedy singer Richard Digance.
The Channel 4 spokeswoman said the decision would be made in close consultation with Yorkshire TV and Carol Vorderman, who was Whiteley's sidekick on Countdown for 23 years.
She also said producers were looking to bring in one permanent host, rather than a series of weekly guest presenters. It is thought that the show could be back on air as early as next month.
Whiteley passed away in June at the age of 61, after undergoing emergency surgery at Leeds General Infirmary for a faulty heart valve.
Born in Bradford, his illustrious television career began in 1968 with Yorkshire TV's Calendar news programme. He was best known nationally, though, as the face of Countdown, the first show to be broadcast on Channel 4 when the station launched in 1982.
The words and numbers quiz quickly won a devoted following of millions, thanks in part to its host's bumbling manner, atrocious puns and passion for gaudy jackets and ties.
l There will be a service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Richard Whiteley at York Minster on Thursday November 10.
All Richard's friends and fans wishing to jointo join his family and partner Kathryn Apanowicz should apply for a ticket to annette.johnson@ granadamedia.com or by writing to Annette Johnson, Countdown, Yorkshire Television, Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS3 1JS.
Kathryn has requested everyone attending should dress cheerfully and not wear black as she is sure this is what Richard would have wanted.
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