Des O'Connor to take over at 'Countdown'

Des O'Connor has won the race to replace Des Lynam as host of Countdown alongside Carol Vorderman.

The veteran host, aged 74, is said to still be in negotiations but reports are confident he has been given the job.

Channel 4 is thought to have offered him a contract worth £500,000 after he hit it off with long-running co-host Vorderman.

"Carol is thrilled," a source told the Daily Mirror, insisting that O'Connor would sign a contract this week. "Des has just the right chemistry with her, which is the most important thing."

He is reportedly "looking forward" to taking up the role and his first episodes are due for broadcast in January.

Other contenders Michael Aspel, Alan Titchmarsh, Stephen Fry and Paul Merton are said to have pulled out of the race. It began after Lynam, who replaced the late Richard Whiteley last year, quit because of a long commute.