[MrGaryy]

Countdown chiefs are considering launching a reality TV show to find Carol Vorderman's replacement, according to a report.

Vorderman quit as the show's co-host last month after producers told her to take a 90% pay cut or stand down.

Myleene Klass, Anthea Turner and Ulrika Jonsson have all been tipped to take over from Carol. However, there are now claims that executives are searching for a fresh face.

An insider told the Daily Star Sunday: "The big idea being bandied around at the moment is the reality TV show. It would be based on TV talent show searches like the BBC did to find an actress to play Maria in The Sound Of Music.

"There are a number of Channel 4 executives who are keen on the idea. But there is a fear that some stuffy viewers may not like it."

Source, Digital Spy

[Tom]

Oh thats just silly and is going to drag the show through the mud even further. I bet Whitely is spinning in his grave tbh.

[double-nugget]

I'd audition and win, you better get voting fo me haha.

Countdown is dying off, just like most of it's viewers in the winter. Let's just have the end of this show for once and for all.

[Conor]

Sounds crap. Countdown should have been axed a long time ago...

[Spike]

As long ad Myleene Klass doesn't do it I will be happy. She is on too much TV now

[SiaSiaSia]

they need someone who's as clever as carol, though. she's like a genius.

[Benjamin]

good god, reality tv gets ridiculous these days.


And there was me thinking it couldn't get worse than the Reality Choir show on BBC1!!!!!

[MrGaryy]

A couple of weeks ago, a million men of a certain age wept into their towelling slippers when it was announced that Carol Vorderman was quitting Countdown after 26 years, in a row over budget cuts. But now, if you can do the maths, you could fill Carol’s shoes. Channel 4 and the producers of Countdown have today launched their search for a new arithmetician to take Carol’s place – so if you know your times tables from your 196 bus timetable then click here to apply. Ooh, it’s like The X Factor (which sounds a bit mathsy actually, doesn’t it?), only with numbers. The big-wigs over at Channel 4 say that applications are open to both male and female candidates, and previous TV experience isn’t necessary, although they need the “charm and charisma” to appeal to viewers, as well as top-notch numeric and literacy skills. “We realise that Carol's shoes are extremely difficult ones to fill, as she has done such an amazing job on Countdown over the past 25 years,” says Helen Warner, the channel’s Head of Daytime. “However, just as we found Carol through an ad in a local paper, we really hope we can do the same again and find another outstanding mathematical mastermind.” Hmm, presumably recruiting an unknown helps with that whole budget issue, too. Still, if you get the gig, imagine how many pensioners, students and unemployed people will fancy you…

Source, Heatworld

[Hugo]

I'm glad that they're not just having some irrelavent celebrity with a calculator.

[Matt]

Press release from Channel 4:

Channel 4 and producers of Countdown are launching a search to find a new Arithmetician who will replace Carol Vorderman when she leaves the programme at the end of this year.

Interested maths whizzes are invited to submit applications via the show’s website www.channel4.com/countdown where they’ll need to complete an application form and submit a photo.

Applications are open to all, both male and female candidates, but applicants will be expected to have excellent numeric and literacy skills. Previous television experience is not necessary although the charm and charisma to appeal to viewers is. Short-listed applicants will then be invited to attend auditions with Countdown producers. The closing date to apply for the position is Friday 19 September 2008. The new Countdown recruit will be seen on screen in January 2009.

Helen Warner, Head of Daytime at Channel 4 said: “We realise that Carol’s shoes are extremely difficult ones to fill, as she has done such an amazing job on Countdown over the past 25 years. However, just as we found Carol through an ad in a local paper, we really hope we can do the same again and find another outstanding mathematical mastermind. We know many Countdown viewers have great heads for numbers, so we are looking forward to seeing how talented they really are!”

The search to find a new arithmetician will be to find a replacement for Carol Vorderman only. A replacement for Des O’Connor, as the main anchor of the programme, will be announced in due course.


Notes to Editors:
Countdown is an ITV Production for Channel 4
Applications forms for the Arithmetician position and further details can be found via www.channel4.com/countdown

Applicants without internet access can request an application form by calling 0871 200 1020. Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, calls from other networks may vary and from mobiles will cost considerably more. Line closes at 6pm Friday 19th September 2008.

[MrGaryy]

Originally posted by Matt
Press release from Channel 4:

Thanks! Source?

[Tom]

I wonder if they'll accept my B at GCSE maths

Interesting how they're finding Carol's replacement first, I wonder if the letters & numbers person is male then will the main host be female?

Why do I take interest in this? I hate the show