Richard Whitely dies

I was saddened to learn of Richard Whitely’s death today. Apparently he has been unwell for some time, though this had passed me by.

I’ve not watched Coundown for several years – ever since I started secondary school, in fact. As I remember the problem was that my secondary school was a 1.5 hr commute, by bus, from home. Consequently I would get home around 5pm (or 4.30pm if it was my ‘early day’). This meant that I wouldn’t be home in time for watching it. Plus the VCR didn’t quite record properly.

In my primary school days Countdown was a programme I would watch regularly. I wouldn’t just watch I would try to do the puzzles myself – and I wasn’t too bad at it. These days I suspect I’m a little slower.

Anyway, Countdown was a programme that gave me thorough enjoyment for several years. Richard Whiteley’s jokes were absolutely hopeless – but they did give the programme it’s character. I understand Channel 4 will be introducing guest presenters but from now on, but the programme will never be the same again.