What happens when the face that has carried a show through decades decides to smile elsewhere? This is exactly the hot resignation letter that Countdown are now trying to handle as Carol Vorderman announces her departure from Channel 4’s longest running television show.
After twenty six years of number crunching, the nationally treasured maths whizz adds to a handful of problems which Countdown has been dealt since Richard Whitley died in 2005. The loss of the revered original presenter resulted in an 18 month stint from Des Lynam, followed by Des O’Connor taking position in the Countdown throne in November 2007, only to declare that he too would be abstaining from the programme at the end of this year.
According to her spokesperson, Carol does not feel that she can successfully bond with yet another presenter. However the announcement comes after reports that Ms Vorderman was threatened with a 90% pay cut to stay on the show as a consequence of budget cut backs from six million to four million pounds a year. As a brain adored by millions of viewers, this news is not likely to generate a favourable response from fans.
With a flurry of key players leaving the show, a cut in budget and ratings that were once five million reduced to one million; can Channel 4 retain their gold medal reign in the daytime television arena?
With the correct utilisation of the media, a fresh start for Countdown could be used to the show’s advantage and become just what it needs to ensure the longevity that it has previously maintained.
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