Countdown - so much better these days! - TV Programmes

10-02-2009, 16:15

I was just watching Countdown and realise just how much better it is these days and both presenters are brilliant, especially the legendary Jeff! Rachel seems very sweet and has become used to being on TV and is now solving the numbers games with ease too.

The show had ceased to interest me with boring Des and Des also Carol Vorderman who had become too big for her boots and tried to take over after the lovely Richard had passed away!

I looked for the old thread but couldn't find it so started another to say how good Countdown now is!

Wild Child · 10-02-2009, 16:27

I've not had the oppertunity to watch it much since the revamp but Rachel looks like a lovely, charming girl and from what I have seen of Jeff he makes me laugh. They go well together. Neither of Des L or Des O ever really felt right for the programme and Carol's exit hasn't left the void I thought it might.

Sloopy · 10-02-2009, 16:35

The programme is still very much as it was; at least they didn't resort to tweaking the format and adding unnecessary gimmicks.

Jeff is much livelier than the two dour Deses, who never really looked as if they wanted to be there.

Whilst I'm sure Carol remained popular with many of the regular viewers, I think she had started to grate on a few people's nerves.

Daveoc64 · 10-02-2009, 18:16

I don't see how anyone could think this is better.

She's useless at just about everything and he's a wooden puppet.

The show is totally devoid of any character now. He just says the same thing over and over with his cheesy grin (you need a sick bag) and she treats the contestants like idiots.

Des Lynam was better!

I didn't particularly like Carol or Des O'Connor, but they had really made the show work well.

Carman · 10-02-2009, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveoc64

I don't see how anyone could think this is better.

She's useless at just about everything and he's a wooden puppet.

The show is totally devoid of any character now. He just says the same thing over and over with his cheesy grin (you need a sick bag) and she treats the contestants like idiots.

Des Lynam was better!

I didn't particularly like Carol or Des O'Connor, but they had really made the show work well.

I stopped watching it when DesO was on, but have started looking forward to watching it every day again, so they must be doing something right!

PS The old thread is here

Jaycee Dove · 10-02-2009, 19:08

Jeff - I am possessed by Richard Whiteley

- fits in perfectly.

He is exactly the right kind of presenter for Countdown with good nature, a sharp wit and a corny line in puns. It should keep the show going for some years after it looked in danger of fizzling out.

No doubt he is on a fraction of the salary that Des O'Connor required. But at least he has his day job at Sky.

And, yes, you can see he is enjoying himself and wants to be there. That is half the challenge.

CXC3000 · 10-02-2009, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveoc64

I don't see how anyone could think this is better.

She's useless at just about everything and he's a wooden puppet.

The show is totally devoid of any character now. He just says the same thing over and over with his cheesy grin (you need a sick bag) and she treats the contestants like idiots.

Des Lynam was better!

I didn't particularly like Carol or Des O'Connor, but they had really made the show work well.

Agree with this (except for the last bit about Des) - I think he was just perfect (after the late Mr Whiteley of course)

textyboy · 10-02-2009, 19:34

I love the show again! Jeff and Rachel have given it a new lease of life. The ratings are up so if you don't like it, don't watch!

10-02-2009, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Child

I've not had the oppertunity to watch it much since the revamp but Rachel looks like a lovely, charming girl and from what I have seen of Jeff he makes me laugh. They go well together. Neither of Des L or Des O ever really felt right for the programme and Carol's exit hasn't left the void I thought it might.

I agree.

omnidirectional · 10-02-2009, 19:40

Jeff and Rachel are a great duo and have given Countdown the new lease of life it's needed for a while.

I thought it was time to axe it when Carol quit, but i'm glad they kept going now. The show feels so much fresher and worth watching again.

Johnbhoy · 10-02-2009, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by SylviaB

I was just watching Countdown and realise just how much better it is these days and both presenters are brilliant, especially the legendary Jeff! Rachel seems very sweet and has become used to being on TV and is now solving the numbers games with ease too.

The show had ceased to interest me with boring Des and Des also Carol Vorderman who had become too big for her boots and tried to take over after the lovely Richard had passed away!

I looked for the old thread but couldn't find it so started another to say how good Countdown now is!

Yes it is so much better now. I didn't mind so much the 2 Des's it was Vorderman I just couldn't stand.

Simon Jackson · 10-02-2009, 20:41

No Peter Dickson voiceover to go with it?

JPS Corrie King · 10-02-2009, 21:27

It does seem fresher now with Jeff at the helm. I only used to catch it on the odd occasion but now I watch it most days

Spot · 10-02-2009, 21:27

I was very worried that it was going to be 'jazzed up' with premium rate phone-ins, etc, and am very relieved they haven't done this. They probably did the right thing in starting by bringing back some familiar contestants for a 'champion of champions' run, as well of-course as keeping Susie Dent and inviting back guests who have been on before.

I didn't mind Carol at all, and the new girl doesn't have the same presence in my opinion but maybe that will come, and she seems to be doing OK. Jeff Stelling is a good host.

Wild Child · 10-02-2009, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spot

I was very worried that it was going to be 'jazzed up' with premium rate phone-ins, etc, and am very relieved they haven't done this.

I was dreading that, too. Countdown is one of the only gameshows I can bear to watch because it has no "quirky" contestents and no sob stories or phone ins. If they ever included any of these aspects I would have to stop watching it and I'd feel sad if that happened. I've watched Countdown for the majority of my life on and off.

Simon6776 · 10-02-2009, 23:57

I quite like it with Jeff and Rachel, but sadly, the memory of Richard Whitely will soon fade, now Carol's gone too, and some of the favourite words, such as 'LEOTARD', have lost their poignancy, as the new presenters don't really seem to acknowledge the history all that much.

One thing that irritates me is Suzie Dent's 'Origin of Words' bit, which I think they could do away with. It breaks up the fluency and tension of the game, in my opinion, and why does the girl never look to camera?

scotchegg · 11-02-2009, 10:46

I think the whole show is rushed now. You very rarely see on the board the longest word that the contestant said, which for me who is half deaf and not great with regional accents means that I dont even know what they have said to win the points.

I like Suzie Dent. She has that slept in, unkempt look that I appreciate as a busy working mum and business owner.

I love Ellie · 11-02-2009, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotchegg

I like Suzie Dent. She has that slept in, unkempt look that I appreciate as a busy working mum and business owner.

I like Suzie Dent, but for different reasons.

Oldbod · 11-02-2009, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotchegg

I think the whole show is rushed now. You very rarely see on the board the longest word that the contestant said, which for me who is half deaf and not great with regional accents means that I dont even know what they have said to win the points.

I like Suzie Dent. She has that slept in, unkempt look that I appreciate as a busy working mum and business owner.

I can appreciate your feelings in para 1 as sometimes I have difficulty in hearing what contestants say.
You could try subtiles to see if that helps.

I have always liked Suzie

richardwds · 11-02-2009, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotchegg

You very rarely see on the board the longest word that the contestant said, which for me who is half deaf and not great with regional accents means that I dont even know what they have said to win the points

Do you think the subtitles might help.

rockerchick · 11-02-2009, 12:24

i cannot remember the last time i watched countdown

Carman · 11-02-2009, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockerchick

i cannot remember the last time i watched countdown

Why not give it a go (M-F 3.25pm), then come back and let us know what you think!

Glasgow Girl · 11-02-2009, 13:07

Both my husband and father-in-law have said the same thing. My father-in-law said that before it was like the "Des O'Conner and Carol Vorderman" show but now they let the contestants get on with it and they both like it much, much more. It's a pity I don't get home until 6pm and miss it.

CaptainSensible · 11-02-2009, 13:10

I've started watching it again. I just hope Rachel doesn't turn into Vorderman II (and Jeff's interaction with the guests in dictionary corner can be a bit artificial/awkward at times).

sonicshadow · 11-02-2009, 16:41

I like it, but the tales of Strictly Come Dancing this week are getting old.

10-02-2009, 16:15	#1
SylviaB Posts: n/a	Countdown - so much better these days! I was just watching Countdown and realise just how much better it is these days and both presenters are brilliant, especially the legendary Jeff! Rachel seems very sweet and has become used to being on TV and is now solving the numbers games with ease too. The show had ceased to interest me with boring Des and Des also Carol Vorderman who had become too big for her boots and tried to take over after the lovely Richard had passed away! I looked for the old thread but couldn't find it so started another to say how good Countdown now is!

10-02-2009, 16:27	#2
Wild Child Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 259	I've not had the oppertunity to watch it much since the revamp but Rachel looks like a lovely, charming girl and from what I have seen of Jeff he makes me laugh. They go well together. Neither of Des L or Des O ever really felt right for the programme and Carol's exit hasn't left the void I thought it might.

10-02-2009, 16:35	#3
Sloopy Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 59,502	The programme is still very much as it was; at least they didn't resort to tweaking the format and adding unnecessary gimmicks. Jeff is much livelier than the two dour Deses, who never really looked as if they wanted to be there. Whilst I'm sure Carol remained popular with many of the regular viewers, I think she had started to grate on a few people's nerves.

10-02-2009, 18:16	#4
Daveoc64 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Gender: Male Location: Bristol (BBC1 West) Services: Sky+ HD, Sky+, Sky Multiroom, Freeview, Xbox LIVE Gold, Virgin Media 20mbps Posts: 11,130	I don't see how anyone could think this is better. She's useless at just about everything and he's a wooden puppet. The show is totally devoid of any character now. He just says the same thing over and over with his cheesy grin (you need a sick bag) and she treats the contestants like idiots. Des Lynam was better! I didn't particularly like Carol or Des O'Connor, but they had really made the show work well.

10-02-2009, 19:08	#6
Jaycee Dove Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 7,097	Jeff - I am possessed by Richard Whiteley - fits in perfectly. He is exactly the right kind of presenter for Countdown with good nature, a sharp wit and a corny line in puns. It should keep the show going for some years after it looked in danger of fizzling out. No doubt he is on a fraction of the salary that Des O'Connor required. But at least he has his day job at Sky. And, yes, you can see he is enjoying himself and wants to be there. That is half the challenge.

10-02-2009, 19:34	#8
textyboy Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 54	I love the show again! Jeff and Rachel have given it a new lease of life. The ratings are up so if you don't like it, don't watch!

10-02-2009, 19:40	#10
omnidirectional Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Services: Sky+, Broadband and Talk Posts: 1,744	Jeff and Rachel are a great duo and have given Countdown the new lease of life it's needed for a while. I thought it was time to axe it when Carol quit, but i'm glad they kept going now. The show feels so much fresher and worth watching again.

10-02-2009, 20:41	#12
Simon Jackson Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Posts: 7,184	No Peter Dickson voiceover to go with it?

10-02-2009, 21:27	#13
JPS Corrie King Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 6,670	It does seem fresher now with Jeff at the helm. I only used to catch it on the odd occasion but now I watch it most days

10-02-2009, 21:27	#14
Spot Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Norwich, Tacolneston tx Services: Namesco Broadband, Freeview, FTA DSat, DAB. Posts: 12,368	I was very worried that it was going to be 'jazzed up' with premium rate phone-ins, etc, and am very relieved they haven't done this. They probably did the right thing in starting by bringing back some familiar contestants for a 'champion of champions' run, as well of-course as keeping Susie Dent and inviting back guests who have been on before. I didn't mind Carol at all, and the new girl doesn't have the same presence in my opinion but maybe that will come, and she seems to be doing OK. Jeff Stelling is a good host.

10-02-2009, 23:57	#16
Simon6776 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: West Sussex, UK. Posts: 176	I quite like it with Jeff and Rachel, but sadly, the memory of Richard Whitely will soon fade, now Carol's gone too, and some of the favourite words, such as 'LEOTARD', have lost their poignancy, as the new presenters don't really seem to acknowledge the history all that much. One thing that irritates me is Suzie Dent's 'Origin of Words' bit, which I think they could do away with. It breaks up the fluency and tension of the game, in my opinion, and why does the girl never look to camera?

11-02-2009, 10:46	#17
scotchegg Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 104	I think the whole show is rushed now. You very rarely see on the board the longest word that the contestant said, which for me who is half deaf and not great with regional accents means that I dont even know what they have said to win the points. I like Suzie Dent. She has that slept in, unkempt look that I appreciate as a busy working mum and business owner.

11-02-2009, 12:24	#21
rockerchick Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Gender: Female Location: Selby Services: Sky +, Sky Broadband Max, Ninendeo DS, Nintendo Wii, PS2, Orange Posts: 2,917	i cannot remember the last time i watched countdown

11-02-2009, 13:07	#23
Glasgow Girl Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the depths of beyond Posts: 218	Both my husband and father-in-law have said the same thing. My father-in-law said that before it was like the "Des O'Conner and Carol Vorderman" show but now they let the contestants get on with it and they both like it much, much more. It's a pity I don't get home until 6pm and miss it.

11-02-2009, 13:10	#24
CaptainSensible Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,400 Blog Entries: 1	I've started watching it again. I just hope Rachel doesn't turn into Vorderman II (and Jeff's interaction with the guests in dictionary corner can be a bit artificial/awkward at times).

11-02-2009, 16:41	#25
sonicshadow Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Renfrew, Scotland. Services: calendar on Digital Spy, you're an idiot! Posts: 5,484	I like it, but the tales of Strictly Come Dancing this week are getting old.