'Countdown' regulars back Vorderman

A number of Countdown regulars have condemned the show's producers for their treatment of Carol Vorderman.

Dictionary Corner participants Rick Wakeman, Esther Rantzen, Sian Lloyd and Ingrid Tarrant have all spoken out in support of Carol, who claims she was "forced out" by bosses.

Vorderman announced that she was quitting the Channel 4 game show last week after being told to accept a 90% pay cut or stand down.

"She has been really badly treated. Saying this means I have probably made my last appearance in Dictionary Corner but I don't care. I think it is a huge mistake," Wakeman told The Mirror.

"People can make themselves irreplaceable like Bruce Forsyth on the Generation Game and I think lots of people do tune in for Carol. They are cutting corners to save money and I think it will cost them money in the end."

Weathergirl Lloyd agreed: "It's an insult. It's hard to imagine what appeal the show will have without her."

Rantzen commented: "I'm absolutely astonished that she's been treated with such an extraordinary lack of good manners."

Meanwhile, Tarrant vowed never to appear on the programme again, explaining: "I think it's disgusting. You have to stand loyal to her. If it came down to it, then I wouldn't go on it on principle."

Marcel Stellman, who owns the rights to Countdown, threatened to pull the plug on the show yesterday as a result of the controversy. However, Channel 4 has insisted that the show will continue with new faces.