We all loved Uncle Richard |
| Written by yorkguides.co.uk | |
|
By ALASTAIR TAYLOR COUNTDOWN star Carol Vorderman choked back tears yesterday as she paid tribute to co-host Richard Whiteley, saying: “The viewers loved him, I loved him.” And she told how the man they called “Mr Countdown” would have people rolling with laughter as they filmed. Richard — who hosted the letters quiz for 23 years — died on Sunday aged 61 after a seven-week battle with pneumonia. Carol, 44, said: “He was Countdown, Countdown was him.” Describing him as like a “favourite uncle” with bad dress sense she added: “I adored him. As years went by he got happier and happier, he would burst into the studio, he was such a happy man.” The Queen, a Countdown fan, was said to be “saddened”. The Duchess of York paid tribute to Richard’s charity work. She said: “His enthusiasm and generosity of spirit were boundless.” Thousands sent messages to the show’s Leeds studios. Yorkshire TV’s flag was at half mast. Chat host Richard Madeley, 49 — who started his career with Richard on Yorkshire TV’s Calendar show — said: “He was so nice.” Ex-cricket umpire Dickie Bird, 72, a close pal, said: “He was an amazing character.” MP Austin Mitchell, an ex TV colleague, said: “Viewers identified with him.” GMTV’s John Stapleton, 59, said: “He was a warm, generous man.” Richard’s long time girlfriend ex-Corrie actress Kathryn Apanowicz was “inconsolable.” She said: “I will miss him desperately.” A pre-recorded Countdown show was postponed yesterday. Channel 4 plan to show several unscreened episodes as a tribute. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|