Countdown for me will always be Richard Whitely and Carol Vorderman, they were the heart and soul of the show & were a huge part of my childhood. It's still a great programme now but it will never be as good as the original with those two, they were the best ever.
So, so sad. I grew up with this show and cried so much when he died. Hasn't been the same since. Thank you Richard (and Carol) for giving us so much entertainment
My Grandparents are huge fans of Countdown. I remember we used to be watching it all the time with them during the Richard Whiteley years. Then one time we got them the board game, the cover had Richard and Carol on it, and my brother and I asked our grandparents why wasn't Richard presenting and our granny told us that he had died a short time ago.
He seemed really happy and cheery in this episode, hard to believe it was his last and the way everything just seemed like a typical countdown day for him, then he dies. I really miss Richard. Countdown has lost the spark ever since he left that studio.
Every presenter since Richard has been a relatively good fit, and they've brought a little something of their own to the table. But it has to be acknowledged, as I suspect even they know, that the show has still not escaped his shadow. And I can't imagine how it ever will. To this day, I sense the loss throughout every single moment that the show ticks on for.
Alex Robinson I'm not sure. It could do with being stripped back to half an hour, t's just too long now. It's also being wasted in a graveyard slot. The problem with the presentation, is that it feels very artificial. I don't think that the show is broken, but it does need a little careful attention.
Richard Whiteley was Mr Yorkshire Television. Countdown hasn’t been the same since Richard’s passing. ITV even moved it from the YTV a studios in Leeds. I bet the show wouldn’t have left Leeds if he was still alive.
No - series 54 was held over until the end of October while they looked for a permanent replacement for Richard. The scheduled Championship of Champions, which was to have begun that series, eventually preceded Series 55 in May/June 2006. The original plan was to have guest hosts filling in for Richard while he recovered from his illness, but this was shelved following Richard's death.
I can only hope that Countdown will go ahead after Nick Hewer's contract ends in a couple of years time. UK television will not be the same without Channel 4's first ever programme.
That was filmed before Richard died peacefully aged 61 due to heart attack leaving behind his partner and his 18 year old son James as well as carol vorderman who was very close to him for 23 years and I do feel for carol about the loss of the friend
i agree with you 100%, i havent watched it since, only the 8 out of 10 cats that do a comedy version but thats it, not the same without richard or carol
Richard Digance took over as host until Richard Whiteley returned, believing it was just a mild ailment. It became pneumonia & was hospitalized for it. Initial prognosis was good & was expected to make a full recovery & back to presenting 'Countdown'. However they then found he had some form of serious heart defect which although operated on it would be to no avail & succumbed to it soon after. The episodes with Richard Digance hosting it have never been shown.
yeah unfortunately we didn't see you back on that Monday for series 54 did the episode even air under the circumstances? Maybe @countdowngoofs can shed some light on it
I still watch Countdown today. Not sure about Anne Robinson taking over from Nick Hewer today. Hopefully it'll be good. She certainly wouldn't have been my choice for host
can't believe they didn't get the numbers round here. 75 + (6*5) = 105 105*9 = 945 945-10 -1 = 934 Correct me if I'm wrong but that kinda stares you in the face. Weird for two finalists not to get it and for Carol to do it a slightly more complicated way.
@jeffrey44 I was being metaphorical, and I shouldn't have to spell that out, now who's the 'bloody idiot'? - you need to learn some manners Jeffrey. Just checked your homepage and it actually looks really good, you have some great videos saved, gonna check some of them out now.
@KenfromDublin I'm sorry about my misunderstanding and lack of manners but there is a good reason for that, I am in a wheelchair, you see? I DO have some good videos, you are right. I'm thinking about uploading a clip from 3-2-1 where Ted Rogers gives clues to an object that may or may not be his penis. What do you think?
Countdown for me will always be Richard Whitely and Carol Vorderman, they were the heart and soul of the show & were a huge part of my childhood. It's still a great programme now but it will never be as good as the original with those two, they were the best ever.
Countdown will always be Richards show. Used to love this when I came home from school!!
So, so sad. I grew up with this show and cried so much when he died. Hasn't been the same since. Thank you Richard (and Carol) for giving us so much entertainment
Lifefaids was the conundrum
How eerie is that?
My Grandparents are huge fans of Countdown. I remember we used to be watching it all the time with them during the Richard Whiteley years. Then one time we got them the board game, the cover had Richard and Carol on it, and my brother and I asked our grandparents why wasn't Richard presenting and our granny told us that he had died a short time ago.
He seemed really happy and cheery in this episode, hard to believe it was his last and the way everything just seemed like a typical countdown day for him, then he dies. I really miss Richard. Countdown has lost the spark ever since he left that studio.
Countdown just isnt the same without Richard and Carol......
6wilty i agree
that was one of the saddest Countdown episodes I have ever watched I got the Conundrum before John Mayhew got it
Every presenter since Richard has been a relatively good fit, and they've brought a little something of their own to the table. But it has to be acknowledged, as I suspect even they know, that the show has still not escaped his shadow. And I can't imagine how it ever will. To this day, I sense the loss throughout every single moment that the show ticks on for.
97channel i do too times up ?
Alex Robinson I'm not sure. It could do with being stripped back to half an hour, t's just too long now. It's also being wasted in a graveyard slot.
The problem with the presentation, is that it feels very artificial. I don't think that the show is broken, but it does need a little careful attention.
it does
Alex Robinson when i saw it i was in maths class with my 1st carer
its stll on triva the carer was in cc x too wake up mr r
he said the final countdown and the last conundum was lifefaids
It did. What a coincidence. Loved him. Now we're stuck with AR!
Notably also Mayhew & Brackstone are the only Series champion & runner-up of 2005 suprisingly.
R.I.P Richard you are still missed
Richard Whiteley was Mr Yorkshire Television. Countdown hasn’t been the same since Richard’s passing. ITV even moved it from the YTV a studios in Leeds. I bet the show wouldn’t have left Leeds if he was still alive.
he said it was the final countdown and lifefaids. Strange?
Yes, its just a recorded clip of the clock in motion for the background of the trophie. I've seen it happen before.
what an episode for richard to go out on!
It was a pity he died after this. He seemed in perfect health and shape in this episode.
4:04, the last ever time he started that clock :(
RIP Richard Whiteley. You are greatly missed. Countdown is not the same without you.
No - series 54 was held over until the end of October while they looked for a permanent replacement for Richard. The scheduled Championship of Champions, which was to have begun that series, eventually preceded Series 55 in May/June 2006.
The original plan was to have guest hosts filling in for Richard while he recovered from his illness, but this was shelved following Richard's death.
Carol Vorderman was offered Richard Whiteley's job after he died but she declined. She quit her own job after her salary was cut 90%.
"See you back on Monday (4 July) for the start of Series 54", Did not return until 31 October
I can only hope that Countdown will go ahead after Nick Hewer's contract ends in a couple of years time. UK television will not be the same without Channel 4's first ever programme.
I do like Nick Hewer but he’s not the same. He doesn’t seem to have that jokey and “sod the rules” personality that Richard had.
@@evanslater4551 I can't begin to think of what you make of Anne Bloody Robinson. My word.
@@mercuryvapoury Oh I don't like her on Countdown. And I much prefer Nick to her.
Sadly he was never seen again.
That was filmed before Richard died peacefully aged 61 due to heart attack leaving behind his partner and his 18 year old son James as well as carol vorderman who was very close to him for 23 years and I do feel for carol about the loss of the friend
Yes that's sad I'm in tears watching this.
Never watched this episode until now. So sad :(
'lifefaids'... so sad
Sadly missed Richard you and Carole were " COUNTDOWN"
Someone that SPECIALISES in Countdown.
i agree with you 100%, i havent watched it since, only the 8 out of 10 cats that do a comedy version but thats it, not the same without richard or carol
No, Channel 4 only showed cricket between 1999 and 2005, since then, all rights of live broadcasts of England cricket have been with Sky Sports
Richard Digance took over as host until Richard Whiteley returned, believing it was just a mild ailment. It became pneumonia & was hospitalized for it. Initial prognosis was good & was expected to make a full recovery & back to presenting 'Countdown'. However they then found he had some form of serious heart defect which although operated on it would be to no avail & succumbed to it soon after. The episodes with Richard Digance hosting it have never been shown.
Digance was one of several set to guest host for five shows each, but Richard died before any were recorded and the plans were scrapped.
it’s not so much in this snippet however throughout this episode it does sound like he’s having trouble breathing
It was sad to think that those Champion of Champion episodes RichArd was talking about at the end probably never happened...
They did eventually happen, but a year later
Double Conundrum - a fitting end to the Whiteley era.
Not such a fitting end - LIFE FAIDS.
Was always a great laugh, countdown not the same
I used to have a huge crush on Richard
Why a thumbs down?
i miss Richard presenting this... the new guy is so dull... R.I.P Richard
Friday 1st July 2005
John Mayhew speaks a bit like former BBC, ITV and Channel 5 continuity announcer Jim Colvin.
RIP Richard.
When was this episode actually recorded?
I doubt those will ever be broadcast as Channel Four no longer shows cricket
yeah unfortunately we didn't see you back on that Monday for series 54 did the episode even air under the circumstances? Maybe @countdowngoofs can shed some light on it
I wasn't exactly trying to be. That was sort of the point. But incidentally, since you mention it, you're right. I am really clever.
It is a shame
R.I.P Richard
I got 934 doing the following, although I would've not gotten it in 30 seconds:
75+10=85
6+5=11
85x11=935
935-1=934.
yes
I still watch Countdown today. Not sure about Anne Robinson taking over from Nick Hewer today. Hopefully it'll be good. She certainly wouldn't have been my choice for host
I watched Countdown from before I was 2 & learned the alphabet
4:16 that handshake tho
Thats Creepy. Life Faids
@Jver10 but they're talking about getting it back....
24th June 2005
@KenfromDublin
Hello Ken. How is Dublin? I have now uploaded the video that I have previously described.
3:20 the conundrum could have been ArtGenius
The first conundrum was used on Wednesday 19th April 2017 in the 2nd TTT in episode 6820.
can't believe they didn't get the numbers round here.
75 + (6*5) = 105
105*9 = 945
945-10 -1 = 934
Correct me if I'm wrong but that kinda stares you in the face. Weird for two finalists not to get it and for Carol to do it a slightly more complicated way.
Broadcast from Friday 2nd July 2005.
It’s Friday 1st July 2005
At least Nick Hewer's contract is temporary.
Spooky
@SpeedDemon2468 Your brother's awesome.
@jeffrey44 I was being metaphorical, and I shouldn't have to spell that out, now who's the 'bloody idiot'?
- you need to learn some manners Jeffrey.
Just checked your homepage and it actually looks really good, you have some great videos saved, gonna check some of them out now.
@gwhite79 I apologize for my error in grammar. NOT!! (middle finger)
how did he die
He had a failed heart operation, which was preceded by pneumonia
@KenfromDublin
I'm sorry about my misunderstanding and lack of manners but there is a good reason for that, I am in a wheelchair, you see?
I DO have some good videos, you are right. I'm thinking about uploading a clip from 3-2-1 where Ted Rogers gives clues to an object that may or may not be his penis. What do you think?
What the fuck are you talking about
It's a shame he had to end with such an sexist and ageist remark, it does taint it
If you see sexism and ageism in that you have issues, stop looking to be offended!
@jeffrey44 it wasnt upto him it was upto producers ect