Jeff Stelling turns down 'Countdown'

Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has turned down the chance to replace Des O'Connor as the next Countdown host.

A Channel 4 insider told The Mirror that the Soccer Saturday star had "pulled out of negotiations".

Stelling was apparently considered as host following the death of Richard Whiteley, but it was Des Lynam who initially took the job. Reports earlier this week again linked the star to the quiz-show role.

Comic actor Alexander Armstrong is reportedly still in the running to take the helm in 2009, though Channel 4 said no decision has been made.