'Countdown' chiefs 'planned viewer competitions'

Countdown bosses planned to introduce viewer competitions in a bid to boost revenue, a report claims.

According to The Mirror, the idea was only scrapped after co-host Carol Vorderman warned that premium rate phone-lines would cheapen the show.

Vorderman has now quit the Channel 4 programme after being told to take a 90% pay cut or stand down.

An insider told the newspaper: "The planned changes with the phone lines would have completely changed the format of the show and Carol was adamant they should not be included.

"She was successful in blocking it but she couldn't do anything about other cutbacks. Money is being squeezed out of the show everywhere. We're even joking that they'll be buying cheaper teapots to be given as prizes than the ones now. Now, Carol has become a victim of cutbacks herself."

Frontman Des O'Connor is also leaving. Meanwhile, the programme's future is currently uncertain after owner Marcel Stellman threatened to pull the plug following the row over Vorderman.