Countdown Host Jeff Stelling To Be Replaced By Nick Hewer

[Rachel_Sandford]

Jeff Stelling, the 56-year-old Countdown host will be leaving the show to concentrate on presenting football on Sky Sports. The problem of finding someone good enough to act as a replacement for the daytime quiz show was solved by hiring The Apprentice’s very own Nick Hewer.

Hewer, 67, will be stepping out of Lord Sugar’s shadow to work alongside Countdown’s co-presenter Rachel Riley. Filming for Channel 4’s longest running series will begin next month, with the first episode airing January 2012.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Nick on board. He is such a fantastic character and has a huge fan base so he'll make a great addition to the team” said a Channel 4 spokesperson.

Peter Gwyn, the executive producer of the show says "I can’t wait to see him bring his unique style and humour to this iconic format".

Hewer has been Alan Sugar’s “sidekick” on the British reality television series for almost 30 years. Luckily, conditions of the deal with Countdown will allow him to maintain his role on The Apprentice.

"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," says Hewer.

 

[PaulR]

Hewer has been Alan Sugar’s “sidekick” on the British reality television series for almost 30 years.

I know it SEEMS like the bl00dy series has been there for that long but I'm fairly sure it only dates back about 5 years or so.

 

[Lazarus]

Wouldn't it be fab if Rachel Riley was also replaced ................ by Margaret Mountford.

 

[PaulR]

I quickly misread that as Margaret Rutherford!

(Runs screaming from the room...)

 

[sonnetpete]

Wouldn't it be fab if Rachel Riley was also replaced ................ by Margaret Mountford.

She'd never fit into one of those short, figure hugging dresses.....(also runs screaming from the room at the thought!)

 

[Lazarus]

Do you know, I had you down as being a bit of a Judith Chalmers aficionado, Pete.

 

[sonnetpete]

No, more of a Valerie Singleton fan really.....

 

[Channel Hopper]

I quickly misread that as Margaret Rutherford!

(Runs screaming from the room...)

For some strange reason I get emails from her......

 

[Channel Hopper]

I know it SEEMS like the bl00dy series has been there for that long but I'm fairly sure it only dates back about 5 years or so.

I think the autocue has been playing up lately, Ch4's Countdown has been on for almost 30 years.
As for Rachel Riley being replaced though,:-Nooo:-Nooo:-Nooo:-Nooo

 

[Lazarus]

I believe he was referring to t'Apprentice.

 

[sonnetpete]

Thanks for the photo CH......Margaret Mountford's really changed since she departed Lord Sugars employ.....or is it Margaret Rutherford?