Carol Vorderman Online
home - biography - tv history - pictures - interviews - in the press - >Amazon.co.uk shop< - links - contact

News

2005

12/09/05 - Edmonds v Lynam for the Countdown crown - thebordermanil.com.au
LAURA ROBERTS

FORMER radio DJ and television prankster Noel Edmonds has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Richard Whiteley on the daytime word-game show Countdown.
Edmonds is going head to head with the former Match of the Day presenter Des Lynam, who has filmed a pilot of the show and is considered the favourite for the job. Edmonds, best known for Noel's House Party and Swap Shop, has not presented since 2003, when he guest-hosted on BBC Radio 2.A source at Countdown, made by Yorkshire Television, said: "Noel is a well-known face and could prove popular with viewers."

Countdown was the first programme to be shown on Channel 4 and soon established cult status, with Whiteley and Carol Vorderman gaining a loyal audience of students, housewives and pensioners. Intended to run for five weeks, the show has aired for 23 years.
Edmonds, 56, awarded Whiteley a Gotcha statuette on Noel's House Party after planting incompetent contestants on Countdown as a prank.Edmonds quit TV after Noel's House Party was axed in 1999 after he rowed with the former BBC controller Peter Salmon.Since 2003 Edmonds, estimated to be worth almost £70 million, has focused on his broadcasting company Unique Group, which makes programmes such as Proms in the Park for the BBC.

After the death of Whiteley, 61, in June, Lynam and Paul Merton, the Have I Got News For You star, were named as the front-runners for the job of presenting the show. Merton, 48, was thought to appeal to Countdown's large student fanbase, whereas Lynam, 56, is a recognisable face for housewives, who make up the majority of daytime viewers. However, Merton pulled out of the running in order to concentrate on his other shows. Channel 4 is expected to confirm the new presenter in the coming week. A spokeswoman said: "We are consulting with Carol Vorderman and Yorkshire Television to make sure we get the right person." Channel 4 stressed that the new presenter will not necessarily try to copy the inimitable Whiteley, whose bumbling repartee won him fans across generations.

Lynam and Edmonds will compete against another late entrant, Richard Digance, a comedy singer-songwriter. Digance has appeared as a celebrity guest on Countdown and was intended as a temporary stand-in for Whiteley when he was first hospitalised in May this year. Mr Blobby takes on housewives' favourite Perennially bearded Noel Edmonds is best known for his multi-coloured woolly jumpers and Mr Blobby, the pink and yellow inflatable man who terrorised contestants on Noel's House Party. Mr Blobby's single was 1993 Christmas No1 and he appeared on the Larry King Show in 1994.  Twinkly-eyed sports presenter Desmond Lynam has become a housewives' pin-up despite having a thick greying moustache and permanently talking about football. He was once quoted as saying: "More football later, but first let's see the goals from the Scottish Cup final."


12/09/05 - Ann Montini's TV Gossip
Carol Vorderman has revealed that she is heading to New York to plug her new best-selling book on the puzzle phenomenon Sudoku. She told me: "I am thrilled at the response, and hope to meet and see some famous people but I won't be quitting the UK. I love appearing on Countdown too much."

• 10/09/05 - Sudoku healthy for mind
  LONDON: For those consumed by the addictive puzzle of Sudoku, there is good news it will help you feel younger, fresher and fitter. Scientists have discovered that the brain effectively works like plastic and if exercised regularly, can remain active and sharp later in life. And one of the best ways of sending your mind on a bit of a jog is to tackle the hugely popular Sudoku. The puzzle has become a breath-taking success filling up the pages of daily newspapers. One of the biggest fans of the cerebral sport is British television presenter Carol Vorderman, well known for her number-crunching wizardry. A self-confessed addict to the puzzles, the 44-year-old co-presenter of Countdown can be found working on a Sudoku at any time of the day in between filming. “Sudoku is an ageless and healthy pursuit, I think of it as exercise for the brain,” she said. “I feel it does help my brain without a doubt,” she said. l Sudoku page 30
  
  
• 08/09/05 - Carol: I'm still young and feeling fabulous at 44¾
  by CAROL VORDERMAN, Daily Mail
  
  A few months ago, I was leaving the Countdown studio with my co-presenter, friend and fellow forty-something Susie Dent. Suddenly, two handsome twenty-something men in jeans and tight T-shirts walked over to us. They smiled, said hello and pressed pieces of paper into our hands. As the muscle-bound lads walked off, Susie and I opened the paper - and found mobile phone numbers scrawled on them. We collapsed into an undignified heap, put the notes in the bin and laughed our - not quite middle-aged - socks off. (I hasten to say that despite the approaches from men young enough to be my sons, I'm more than happy with my gorgeous bloke at home.)
  
  So when I read that scientific research has confirmed what I've known for four years, nine months and two days - that turning 40 does not mean becoming middle-aged - I nearly punched the air with joy. Or skipped down the road. Or twirled around the room. Because I've more energy and spring in my step now than I've had for decades.
  
  And it isn't just me. All around, tripping down the pavement in floaty dresses, showing their tans under strappy tops and wearing tottering heels with a blatant disregard for bunions is a whole generation of sexy, confident, born-again forty-somethings. Earlier this year, I found myself at a dinner hosted by the glossy fashionista magazine Glamour. As the name suggests, the room was filled with the beautiful, the sexy and the sassiest girls in town. But some of the most raucous noise and liveliest fun came from the top table, where I sat with actresses Kim Cattrall, 49, Teri Hatcher, 41, Countdown's Susie Dent, 41, and myself, 44.
  
  Tweed skirts and pearls
  We were all in our fabulous 40s and were having a good time. I can't speak for myself, but the others were simply oozing self-confidence and sex appeal.  There was a time when I could never imagine being 40, let alone being a TV hostess (which is basically what I do on the game show Countdown) at the age of 44. When I was in my 20s, 40 seemed an ancient age of tweed skirts and pearls, sensible shoes and a demure, apologetic manner. How laughable that seems today as I sit here dressed in a vest top from TopShop and jeans bought on a shopping trip with my teenage daughter. Yes, we do go into the same shops together, though no, we don't buy the same clothes and no, she doesn't cringe with toe-curling embarrassment.
  
  Suddenly, far from being an entirely different generation, the 40s have become accepted as part of society. We read the same magazines. We buy the same boots. We don't go to clubs, but as Demi Moore has shown with great effectiveness (with the help of her adoring toyboy on her arm), women over 40 can still be attractive to the opposite sex.
  
  Still attractive to opposite sex
  Indeed, according to research by the magazine Health Plus, we're enjoying the best sex ever because our newfound confidence means we're shedding our inhibitions as fast as our tweeds. (Though I'm far too discreet to give my personal verdict.) But why the change? There's been no great revolution - no burning of girdles by secret forty- something societies. Rather, over the past few years, there has been a huge shift in the way that we view ourselves and our age. I remember presenting Countdown in my early 30s, wondering what I was going to do when I turned 40. I thought it would look utterly ridiculous for a woman in her 40s to be dishing out letters on a TV game show.
  
  Well, I'm still dishing out those letters and it doesn't feel at all ridiculous. Which shows how much my opinions have changed, just as much as everyone else's. Five years ago, when I dared to wear an above-the-knee, figure-hugging, blue dress to the Baftas at the age of 39, it made headline news. People even wrote to newspaper letters pages, giving their opinions on the shocking display of knee. (At the time, I was most amused to discover that if you typed the phrase 'Mutton dressed as lamb' into Google, my name popped up at the top of the list!)
  
  'Mutton dressed as lamb'
  But if a 39-year-old, or even a 44-year-old, wore that same dress tomorrow, it wouldn't even warrant a second glance, let alone a raised eyebrow. Because even in those five short years, our idea of what is and isn't acceptable has shifted. When I flick through my photo album, I can see myself in my teens: gawky and awkward; in my 20s: passable in high-heeled boots and mini skirts; and in my 30s: juggling motherhood and career, a whole decade feeling, and looking, exhausted. Finally, I come to pictures of myself in my 40s: laughing at the camera, brimming with a self-confidence and happiness I've never had before, and a real ease with my body and looks.
  
  It was a change which happened at the same time that the little blue dress came out of the wardrobe and into the headlines. I reached my 40s and suddenly started to care less about other people's opinion. Suddenly, life seemed too short to try to please everyone. So I learned to wear what I liked, how I liked and when I liked - with a new devil-may-care attitude. True, there are some things that are utterly ruled out in your 40s. Bunches (especially those tied in neat little plaits). Short ra-ra skirts. Daisy Duke shorts. But hey, girls - there are plenty of other options out there and the doors of TopShop are wide open and beckoning.
  
  Next week, I'll be jetting to America to launch my new Sudoku book. I'll find myself in another world altogether, where 70-year-olds buy their clothes from Gap, wear slogans on their T- shirts, pristine white trainers and jaunty baseball caps. No, I won't be coming back with 'Carol Rocks' in sequins across my chest nor a Countdown tattoo on my right buttock. But I'll have a great adventure while I'm out there.
  
  I've tried more new experiences since I turned 40 than I ever had before. Last year, for example, I stepped on to an open-air ice ring for the first time, and for half an hour in my imagination I became Jane Torvill as I attempted to waltz, speed and jump as if I didn't have a care in the world. I had my forty-something bottom to cushion any fall - so I lost all inhibitions and it was a magical experience. (Well it was, until I attempted to overtake a twentysomething, skidded along the ice on my nose and limped off the ring with a broken wrist and a badly dented ego).
  
  Posed in fishnets
  Since I hit my 40s, I've been surfing for the first time. I've bought a bicycle. I've even posed in fishnets and a corset for GQ magazine!  And I've stopped worrying about looking foolish as I go out and enjoy myself. Because I do wonder every so often how many years I've got left. I could have 20. If I'm lucky, it will be 30. Whatever the total, it is now a defined number, so while that egg-timer in the sky is running, I'll go out and live every moment to the full. According to new research by the University of Kent, we don't regard ourselves as middle-aged until we are 49. Which means that I've four-and a quarter years to whoop it up and enjoy every minute of my wonderful, extended youth. And then, rest assured, I'll be throwing one hell of a 49th birthday bash ...
  Carol Vorderman's Massive Book Of Sudoku (Ebury Press, £8.99) is out today.

• 28/06/05 - Book of Condolences -
  Click here for a link to a Book of Condolences for Richard Whiteley
  http://www.goodbyerichard.tvheaven.com
  I got an email from a guy called Steven Murphy earlier today to link his site above. Please visit if you wish to leave a message.
  
  
• 26/06/05 - Very Sad New today - news from the bbc website.
  Presenter Richard Whiteley dies - BBC News
  Television presenter Richard Whiteley has died after a long illness.
  The host of Channel 4's day time quiz show Countdown had been recovering from pneumonia and missed recording of the upcoming series. The 61-year-old presenter from West Yorkshire fell ill back in May and was rushed to hospital in Bradford. He had been said to be "recovering slowly". Whiteley, who fronted the show with Carol Vorderman since 1982, is still on screen as the show is pre-recorded.
  Ms Vorderman's agent, John Miles, confirmed Whiteley had died.
  -
  Last November Whiteley was honoured with an OBE from the Queen, who is said to be a fan of the show, as was the late Queen Mother.
  
• Some web links below about Richard.
  Richard Whiteley
  Interview from Channel 4
  Arent you that bloke?
  UK Game Shows
  topix.net
  IMDB
  Everything2.com
  Media UK
  Wikipedia.org
  
  
  
• 21/06/05 - Might be a little late for folks to make arrangements but I received this email today.
  
  -

Alphabet Runner
A brand new board game coming soon!
Check it out here http://www.2down3up.com/

• 13/05/05 The Great Su-Doku Challenge - mirror.co.uk
  FANCY pitting your wits against TV's most famous number-cruncher, Carol Vorderman, with the winner walking away with £1,000? Well, here's your chance...
  
  Yesterday we revealed how Carol has been gripped by the Su-Doku craze that is sweeping the nation - she even competes with her friends to see how fast she can finish the Japanese number puzzle.
  
  But could you beat her fastest time? Now you can find out... Today, the Daily Mirror launches Britain's first ever Su-Doku Championship, in which the nation's top 10 fastest players will get to take on Carol and each other in London, later this month.
  
  Our winner will be crowned the Daily Mirror's National Su-Doku Champion 2005 and pocket our fan-tastic £1,000 cash prize.
  
  Even Mirror columnist Carol, who has shown how quickly she can solve sums on Channel 4's Countdown, reckons she faces a tough challenge.
  
  She tells us: "I fully expect to be beaten by a 12-year-old. But this will be the first ever national Su-Doku competition and it will be fascinating to see just how quickly people will be able to do it.
  
  "I really don't know how I'll fare - I'll probably be bottom of the class.
  
  "But I'm hooked on Su-Doku - I have competitions with friends to see who finishes first. I go for the fiendishly hard one and I've already got my time down."
  
  HOW TO ENTER
  
  IF YOU are a whizz with numbers and fancy your chances, tell us how quickly you solved the above Su-Doku challenge.
  
  -SEND your completed puzzle and the time you did it in (no cheating - we'll know, you know), your name, address and daytime phone number to: Carol's Su-Doku Challenge, Daily Mirror Features, One Canada Square, London E14 9XP. All entries must arrive by Friday May 20, 2005.
  

• TV GUIDE UPDATE
  Carol will be appearing on Loose Women on 12/05/2005
  
  
• 10/05/05 Lose half a stone in a fortnight! - ic Wales
  Rhyl-born Carol Vorderman may be 45 this year, but she's still looking incredible...and it's all thanks to her now-famous detox diet. Now, she's introduced a new swimsuit detox, helping you get back in your bikini in time for the beach
  And if you're detoxing, there's only one person to turn to. Queen of Countdown Carol Vorderman has a new swimsuit detox plan this year, and on these pages, has shared some of her favourite snack recipes for you to build into your new eating plan.
  Carol, 44 and 8st 7lbs at 5ft 7, reveals that a healthy diet can be the pathway to glowing vitality, re-invigorated skin and more energy. She now looks better than ever, as our swimsuit pics prove.
  But the practical mother-of-two says: "But I still have a big bum. That's just the way it is. My weight goes up and down but my bum retains its own gravitational field."
  Carol uses her detox diet to get back into shape twice a year and the regime can shed 7lbs in two weeks.
  At her heaviest Carol weighed more than 11 st and was a size 16. But she lost two stones after cutting out meat, wheat, dairy and alcohol for 28 days twice a year.
  "I was self-conscious and found getting into swimwear very embarrassing," she says.
  Carol is now under nine stone and she adds: "Anyone who's put on 7 to 14lbs over the winter can make a dramatic difference to her body in just three weeks. Your eyes start to sparkle and you don't go through the day in that fuzzy haze."
  You can gve Carol's detox a proper go if you follow the basic rules (outlined here), limit yourself to snacks from the plan, and follow the recipes in her new book (see this page for a special discount for WM readers).
  Carol Vorderman's Detox Recipes is packed with fantastic new recipes, including snacks. It's available to WM readers for the special price of £7.80, including p&p (rrp £12.99). To order call 01206 255800 and quote WM
  Link to the website for some reciepe ideas click here
  
  
• 10/05/05 - Carol Cheer for Whiteley - the Sun
  COUNTDOWN’S Richard Whiteley was sent a get-well note from telly buddy Carol Vorderman yesterday — saying she misses his BAD jokes.
  The 61-year-old TV host is stable in intensive care suffering from pneumonia.
  Fellow Countdown star Vorderman, 44, said: “All of us in Richard’s Countdown family want him to get better as quickly as he can.
  “He’s our boss and the one who holds everyone together and makes us laugh. We all want him back telling bad jokes as soon as he’s able to.”
  Whiteley, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary last Friday.
  Filming of the popular Channel 4 show, which is recorded months in advance, has been stopped until he recovers.
  Whiteley’s girlfriend, Kathryn Apanowicz, 43, thanked everyone who had sent messages.
  
  
• 15/04/05 - Countdown to fun with sexy Miss V - Express & Star
  All eyes were on Carol Vorderman's rear - and Richard Whiteley's nasty ties - when Eluned Bowen went to see Channel 4's favourite game show. Sporting a glowing tan, sexy hot pink stiletto heels and a clingy £500 Pucci dress, Carol Vorderman sashays into the Countdown studio. Fan Lesley Calrow from Wightwick meets Carol Vorderman She makes no fuss, just sings out a mock posh "hell-ooo" and smiles at the crowd. All eyes are on the 44-year-old who began as Countdown's dowdy brainbox when the show kicked off Channel 4's first transmission back in 1982.
  
  A mixed audience of pensioners, housewives and crossword buffs from the Black Country and Shropshire make up most of the audience. They are on a trip organised by the Star Readers Club to Channel 4's studio in Leeds. The warm-up act, Dudley Dolittle, has got everyone grinning with his Wolverhampton references to Billy Wright and the Beverley Sisters. And former Duty Free actor Keith Barron, who is the celebrity on Dictionary Corner, has tickled everyone by not knowing that Wolverhampton was now a city. The build-up continues with Richard Whiteley's entrance in his trademark mismatched tie, shirt and jacket, but this causes only a stir compared to Carol's entrance.
  
  Countdown is filmed in blocks, in advance. There has been no filming for five weeks so the team are on top form. "I haven't seen Carol for a month," says Richard. "She's been to the Caribbean." "Oooooooo!" respond the audience. "I never know what she'll look like from one month to the next," he says, grinning. "Long hair, short hair, big bum, small bum." The audience all giggle at Richard's cheek. He is clearly tubby, has worn the same hairstyle for the past two decades and has no dress sense, but it is Carol's behind we're focusing on.
  
  Though she's improved with age, everyone, especially Carol, is aware of her ample behind. Carol enters. Whispers around the audience make it clear that all eyes are on her. Most agree she looks gorgeous, several comment on her bottom, some on her killer heels and sexy ankle straps, while many decide that she is slimmer in real life than on television. Carol is the star that everybody has been waiting for. The audience has been staring patiently ahead at the Countdown clock surrounded by garish purple and lilac stripes, watching a woman polish the letters board in readiness for her grand entrance. After the catwalk style beginning, she saunters off casually to "check on me vowels" and all eyes are on her curves. Then it's on with the game. An enthusiastic audience are reminded to be quiet several times. We have been given pads and pens so we too can get involved. You can clearly hear eager wordsmiths reading the letters aloud. At one point, a woman near me gets carried away, clearly saying: "I was just about to write that down" as a contestant discovers an eight-letter word that she too had spotted. There are some educational moments where we learn that dipternas are two-winged flies and mosquitoes. Then follows a discussion on the plural of scrotum (it can be scrotums or scrotam apparently). Although, as Keith Barron points out, you're unlikely to ever see a line-up of them. There is plenty of muttering at the word "minger" (meaning unpleasant or ugly person or thing according to the dictionary), which three-quarters of the audience have never heard before.
  
  Three programmes are filmed which means three outfits for Carol and Richard. The audience are even shuffled around so that the same faces aren't spotted near tomorrow's contender, who is sat on the front row. Richard changes into several equally revolting shirt and tie combinations. Carol's outfits seem to get gradually tighter, making her bottom stick out like a shelf and accentuating her little round belly. Many agree that she needs to move up to a size 12 for the sake of comfort and decency. Tubby Richard Whiteley meets Eluned More fantastic footwear emerges. A tight grey dress is teamed with three-inch white stilettoes with black tip and heels. Next look is pink and short- sleeved, with a dangerously fitted black pencil skirt and black heels. How she sits down is a mystery.
  
  Carol confesses that despite a lovely holiday in the Caribbean with boyfriend Des, she has missed Coronation Street, particularly the Ken and Deirdre wedding. "I taped six episodes of Corrie and enjoyed sitting and watching all of them, and being able to fast forward through the adverts," she says. Charmer Richard says the Wolverhampton audience have been very kind to him, and even lets me have a Countdown mug, which he says is a collector's item. The Midlands audience has had a wonderful day despite sitting for four and a half hours on the world's most uncomfortable chairs. Bring a cushion next time, is the note most are making on their Countdown pads.
  
  Peter Smithson of Walsall, was particularly pleased to be looking forward to his television debut. He was a last-minute stand-by to be in the Countdown audience when his friend's wife had to drop out. The clever chap was the only one of the audience to solve the conundrum and was filmed saying the word "potential" after the two contestants failed to get it.
  
  Mum of two Lesley Calrow was over the moon to meet her hero Richard Whiteley. Lesley, from Wightwick, is an avid fan of the show and doesn't miss an episode. Her husband Simon saw the trip to Countdown advertised and knew it was the perfect gift. Lesley bought some souvenir Countdown chocolates for her twin daughter and son, 14-year-olds Lucy and Andrew, who are pupils at Smestow School, Wolverhampton. "They love the show too and were really jealous that we were coming without them," she said. Maybe next time. Although with a two-year waiting list for tickets, goodness knows what Carol's hair will be up to, or how big her bum will be.  
  
  
• 7 April 2005 ---- LINKS UPDATED
• 7 April 2005 ---- NEWS slightly updated below
• SITE UPDATE COMING SOON.
• In the meantime why not check out my shop links which is run by Amazon, they sell many carol Vorderman products, plus FREE delivery if you spend £19 >shop<

2004

01/11/04 Vorderman injured in dance show - BBC News
TV presenter Carol Vorderman suffered a torn cartilage during the performance that led to her being voted off BBC show Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.The Countdown host damaged a cartilage beside her rib while performing the rumba with partner Paul Killick. The combination of damning scores from the jury and a low public vote saw Vorderman and Mr Killick lose their place in the BBC One dancing contest.

The show has been a ratings hit, seen by seven million viewers this week. Strictly Come Dancing is now in its second series and Saturday's audience was almost a million higher than the previous week, according to unofficial overnight figures. In its final half hour, Strictly Come Dancing proved more popular than Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, with its audience climbing to 7.8m viewers, compared with 6.8m for the ITV1 show at the same time.

Vorderman's agent John Miles said the TV star sensed the injury towards the end of her performance. "Right at the end, during the finale of our dance, Paul leant me back and I suddenly felt a terrible pain below my shoulder blade on my right side," she told the Daily Mail. Unable to sleep because of the pain, she went to a medical centre on Sunday morning, where doctors confirmed the torn cartilage. She was prescribed painkillers and advised to rest. But she returned to work on Monday and Mr Miles confirmed she was "on the mend".

• 10/04 - EastEnders' Jill is favourite to win dancing title - Ananova
  Jill Halfpenny is the bookies' favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing after her strong performance on Saturday's opening show.The EastEnders star (Kate Mitchell) is 7/2 favourite to win the title, according to William Hill.Esther Rantzen is now expected to be the next contestant to be voted off the show, followed by TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin.Olympic legends Denise Lewis and Roger Black both had an impressive dance debut, and are now quoted at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively.
  
  A spokesman for the bookies said: "We were very impressed by Denise Lewis and Roger Black. They are obviously both very competitive people and I am sure we will see an intense rivalry between them."Latest William Hill outright betting: 7/2 Jill Halfpenny, 9/2 Carol Vorderman, 5/1 Sarah Manners, Denise Lewis, 6/1 Roger Black, 8/1 Julian Clary, Aled Jones, 16/1 Esther Rantzen, 20/1 Diarmuid Gavin.Second eviction Betting: 6/4 Esther Rantzen, Diarmuid Gavin, 6/1 Julian Clary, 10/1 Aled Jones, 16/1 Roger Black, Carol Vorderman, Jill Halfpenny 20/1.
  
  
• 27/09/04 - Stars unveiled for more Dancing - BBC News
  Presenters Carol Vorderman and Esther Rantzen will be among the celebrities competing in the second series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing show. Also included in the line-up are comic Julian Clary, Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and gardening presenter Diarmud Gavin. Each celebrity will be paired with a professional dancer.
  
  The show's first winner, Natasha Kaplinsky, will present the series alongside Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. Kaplinsky will share the presenting duties with Daly, who is due to give birth in October. Also among the celebrity contestants will be former child singer and Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones, athlete Roger Black and motoring correspondent Quentin Willson.
  
  Best of both worlds
  Representing the acting world will be Jill Halfpenny, who plays Kate in EastEnders, and Sarah Manners, who plays Bex in Casualty. The celebrities will have to practise a stipulated ballroom dance and perform it on live TV, with viewers and judges voting on who will be eliminated each week. Countdown presenter Vorderman said: "I'd been saying to friends how I'd wanted to take dance lessons for some time but couldn't fit it in with work, so this is the best of both worlds." Home Front in the Garden presenter Gavin added: "I think it'll be great fun and a very disciplined way of getting fit but I'm not sure how good our chances are." The first series saw celebrities including David Dickinson, EastEnders Christopher Parker and Claire Sweeney take part.
  
  
• 12/07/04 - Five Years? Count On It - Sky News
  Countdown will be on our screens for at least five more years. Carol Vorderman and Richard Whiteley have signed a new five-year deal to present the programme which launched Channel 4 back in 1982. The spelling and maths quiz still pulls in 1.3m viewers. Carol, 43, said: "I love Countdown even more today than in 1982, so even more years with Twice Nightly Whiteley will be fantastic. "I am the luckiest woman on the box. Twenty-one years is wonderful, but the problem is I can't lie about my age any more and Richard can't lie about his waistline."  Richard, the first face to appear on Channel 4, added: "Now I'll just have to make sure that I have enough jackets, ties and awful puns to keep me going for the next five years." The show is to be honoured at a House of Commons reception. MPs will hail the show as a "national treasure" and praise it for promoting literacy and numeracy among all age groups.
  
  
• 27/06/04 - Carol Is GQ's Top Pin-Up - Sky News
  Brainbox Carol Vorderman has dealt another blow for the older woman - she has become GQ magazine's most popular pin-up in two years. The 43-year-old's raunchy shots in the men's magazine appear to have left younger rivals like Britney Spears in the shade. The May issue featuring the Countdown presenter sold more copies than any other since David Beckham graced the front cover in June 2002. The mother-of-two, whose dress sense was once slammed by TV style gurus Trinny and Susannah, caused a stir by posing in corsets and fishnet tights. The shots of twice-married Miss Vorderman saw sales jump by 23% compared with the same edition last year, when Miss Hurley was the cover girl. Since then, the likes of TV presenter Tess Daley and Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale, as well as Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow, have all featured in the magazine. Ten years ago Miss Vorderman, who is a member of Mensa, was a size 16 and a self-confessed frump. But GQ editor Dylan Jones said she had pulled in the readers with "very little airbrushing". "Every man in Britain fancies Carol," he said.

• DECEMBER 2004
• Have been away in asia for 6 months at the start of the year and now only getting round to catching up on things. My web hosts have been giving me bother with download amounts and so many people will have been getting error messages.

2003

Year 2002 - COUNTDOWN IS NOW 20 YEARS OLD
12/06/02 - Britains Brainiest - This Morning
Carol Vorderman is back with the latest series of 'Better Homes. She was sitting on the sofa ("This Morning") chatting about this and the search for Britain's Brainiest Kid 2002.

Following the success of Carol's show, 'Britain's Brainiest Kid', which 8 million people watched last summer, the search is now on for the contenders to take part in 'Britain's Brainiest Kid 2002.'

This year every primary and secondary school in the country will be contacted and asked to nominate their brightest pupils to take part. Entrants will face a written test of their general knowledge and aptitude, and the highest scoring children will be invited to London to sit a further test.

The twenty-four top scorers (12 boys and 12 girls) will then go through to the grand final, which will be broadcast on ITV1 later this year and will be hosted by the lovely Carol again.