Des Lynam to host Countdown

Carole Vorderman has welcomed Des Lynam as her new Countdown co-presenter, after Channel 4 confirmed he would join the long-running TV quiz.

13:58 24 September 2005

Carole Vorderman has welcomed Des Lynam as her new Countdown co-presenter, after Channel 4 confirmed he would join the long-running TV quiz.

The former Match of the Day presenter was widely tipped to beat rivals Noel Edmonds and Richard Digance to host the popular words and numbers show.

The show's previous host Richard Whiteley died in June, following heart surgery.

Lynam said: "Channel 4 came to me out of the blue and I was flattered and surprised to be asked to present Countdown - a show of which I have always been a fan.

"It will be a hugely difficult task to replace Richard Whiteley but I'm very much looking forward to working with Carol Vorderman who, I am sure, will lead me by the hand and steer me through it."

Vorderman said: "Des and I have known each other for nearly ten years and we've always got on really well.

"All the Countdown family has missed the programme and our wonderful Countdown viewers have been so supportive.

"We all know that it won't ever be the same without him but Des has always been a Countdown viewer and had a huge respect for Richard.

"In that we find great comfort."

Countdown was the first show to air on Channel 4 when it launched in 1982 and will return to our screens next month.