The Countdown Thread

[Brekkie]

Don't forget it's Anne's last episode tomorrow with Colin taking over from Thursday onwards and that will be good to watch because Colin is a genuine fan of the show and clearly enjoys hosting the show (unlike his predecessor).

Also, for what it's worth a list of best hosts of Countdown in 40 years of the programme (not including the guest/one-off hosts):
1. Richard (simply the best)
2. Jeff (his natural style suited the programme)
3. Colin (he is interested in the show and always gets on well with everyone)
4. Des L (always going to be tough following on Richard in the circumstances, but I did not mind his dry wit, however communting from down south meant he never was going to be long term host)
5. Des O'C (a TV legend, but his style did not suit Countdown in my opinion)
6. Nick (the longest serving host since Richard, 9 and half years to be exact, but was bland and seemed to go through the motions most of the time)
7. Anne (a big name appointment, nothing more to be said and was never going to last long)

Pretty much agree with that, though might swap Nick and Des O'Connor.   It was a shame Des Lynam didn't do it for a bit longer - he was a very good replacement for Richard, but Carol's growing role during this period didn't do the show many favours - even if in reality it was just introducing the dictionary corner guest.

Jeff though for me is the best since Whiteley, maybe even better than Whiteley.   It's a shame we only got three years of him and that C4 didn't let him backtrack on his resignation as he reportedly wanted to do.   I think he might even still be with the show now had they let him continue.