Carol's new co-star

The new Countdown host who will join long standing presenter Carol Vorderman has been named.

17:57 17 September 2005

The new Countdown host who will join long standing presenter Carol Vorderman has been named.

Former Match of the Day presenter Des Lynam will be the new face of the popular Channel 4 quiz show following the death of former host Richard Whiteley earlier this year, the Daily Mirror reports.

Lynam, 63, allegedly saw off competition from rivals Noel Edmonds and Richard Digance to secure the role.

Countdown producers reportedly offered the former sports presenter the job after being impressed by his screen test.

"All three contenders gave great auditions but it was agreed Des was the right man," a Countdown insider told the Mirror.

"Everyone realises it will be strange without Richard, but they are all keen to work with Des. It's the end of an era, and the start of a new one."

Countdown is due back on our screens next month.