He loved Read about our approach to external linking. These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. BBC NEWS Another part of my childhood telly viewing gone. Jamie Oliver seen with Jock Zonfrillo just hours before his death was announced, MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46 leaving family devastated, Michael J Fox shares heartbreaking update on living with Parkinson's. Celebs and presenters today have flooded social media with tributes, including Melanie Sykes, his former Today with Des and Mel co-host, who described him as a man with "the kindest of hearts". Car finance with Flow Car -Configure multiple finance quotations in seconds - Manage your application entirely online - Finance a car without receiving unwanted sales calls - Get the best available rate Feed with access to over 380,000+ available vehicles nationwide for you to choose from. [20] [26] At the end of the 2013 season, Colin Murray announced he was leaving BBC Radio 5 Live to host a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm on its commercial rival Talksport, replacing Richard Keys and Andy Gray, and therefore he would be leaving his Kicking Off show and Fighting Talk. Ill really miss working with him and trying to make him laugh. Countdown Murray hosted alongside Stuart Pearce and Perry Groves on Monday (previously Mike Tindall), Des Kelly and Michael Gray on Tuesday, Steve Bunce and Didi Hamann on Wednesday, Daley Thompson and Danny Murphy on Thursday (previously Kelly Sotherton), and Bob Mills and Perry Groves on Friday. Worlds a less funny place without him. Comedian Sean Lock has died from cancer at the age of 58, his agent has confirmed. O'Connor was made a CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting. "These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. The pair's working relationship was close, and when she left the show after contract negotiations turned sour Stellman expressed his "upset". He leaves behind his partner of 11 years, Kathryn Apanowicz, who shot to fame on Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Television presenter and journalist Richard Whiteley has died just days after undergoing heart Born in Woking, Surrey, Lock left school in the early 1980s and started working on building sites. But ultimately Lock became best known as a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats, the comedy series hosted by Jimmy Carr. Carol Vorderman was the first host of the numbers and letters corner on Countdown, Richard Whiteley was a popular host on Countdown but died in 2005, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Mel Sykes leads Des O'Connor tributes as beloved entertainer I adored him and I always will.". Des O'Connor, beloved comedian and presenter, has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague. [16], In 2009 Murray resigned from his Radio 1 late night show to expand his work at BBC Radio 5 Live, becoming the new presenter of 5 Live Sport on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, in time for the start of the 2009/10 football season. A year later, they became the youngest to pass it at A-level. Murray married Carly Paradis in 2012. Comedian and former Countdown presenter Des O'Connor dies Marcel Stellman, creator of daytime TV classic Countdown, dies He also hosted Channel 4 quiz show Countdown with Carol Vorderman, with the pair bowing out together in 2008. Ahead of her grand return to Im A Celebrity, Carol thanked presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. Carol is among the 14 stars competing in Im A Celebrity All Stars in South Africa, which will also see boxer Amir Khan, former Olympian Fatima Whitbread, and ex EastEnders actor Joe Swash return to camp. The head of daytime and features for Channel 4, Jo Street, excitedly said: We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming these national treasures to the Countdown hotseat to mark this 40th anniversary milestone and are equally delighted to have enticed the remarkable Sir Trevor McDonald back to Salford. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. Stellman was a recipient of a Basca Gold Badge Award in 1988 and received an Ivor Novello Award as lyricist for Dance On by Kathy Kirby in 1963. Anne-Marie with Countdown host Anne Robinson (centre), and Susie Dent of 'Dictionary Corner'. Comedian Sean Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, has died from cancer at the age of 58. He even hosted Countdown in 2007 alongside Carol Vorderman. Thanks for the fun. Countdown Countdown list of deaths Jeff Monroe- died of illness (mentioned) Quinn and Jordan mom- died in crash (mentioned) Courtney- The new presenters are Baroness Floella Benjamin, Sir Trevor McDonald, Reverend Richard Coles and Moira Stuart. In 1963, Des landed his own TV show called The Des OConnor Show, which ran for eight series. [18] With Murray having taken a self-imposed two months of holiday from work before starting at 5 Live, the 5 Live shows had to start without him while he recovered from a bout of H1N1 swine flu. Bobby Seagull will also appear, as will Christopher Biggins. "He never let us down. [11] Spells deputising for hosts of other major Radio 1 shows also followed. Returning for an all stars versionof the hitITVshow, theformer Countdown presenter, 62,will join a bunch of fellow ex-campmates to compete to be crowned the first Im A Celebrity Legend. Anne-Marie, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. Kelly Brook is a vision in black swimsuit as she enjoys hot tub dip during glorious Bank Holiday getaway, Mrs Doubtfire star Matthew Lawrence was fired from agency after refusing to strip for a director, Rachel Stevens shuts down lies from ex-fianc Jeremy Edwards after he said he thought she had a fling, Brilliantly cringe moment TikTokers approach stranger asking if he wants to date them before realising hes actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster, BBC presenter still trying to process racial abuse ordeal outside Manchester pub, Do not sell or share my personal information. Anne-Marie Imafidon, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. A massive talent who made stand-up look effortless and approached his illness in the same no-nonsense way he approached life. "A true original both in comedy and life. Sean Lock: Comedian and 8 Out of 10 Cats captain dies aged 58 I will miss him.". Is climate change killing Australian wine? Countdown Known for his loud ties and stripy jackets, Whitely became an afternoon television icon, while maths boffin Vorderman groaned on cue to his dreadful jokes. "This is a person I have known for 26 years who started Countdown. Stellman appeared on the programme's celebrations for its 2,000th episode in 1997, its 3,000th episode in 2001 and 5,000th episode in 2010. To view this content choose accept and continue. The presenter of Channel 4's ", A much loved part of the C4 family hes played a huge role on the channel for over two decades, and well miss him. [19], In 2010, he left Channel 5's football coverage team to replace Adrian Chiles as presenter of the BBC's Match of the Day 2 football highlights television programme, broadcast on Sunday nights on BBC Two as a companion show to the flagship Saturday night Match of the Day show on BBC One. and Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule. [10] Also paying tribute was dictionary corner's Susie Dent, who said the show had lost its "patriarch and most passionate advocate". The veteran entertainer - best known as a chat show host and presenter of Channel 4's Countdown - had enjoyed six decades in the world of entertainment, and made a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic. His departure from Fighting Talk was the result of a controversy after he joked on the programme about being able to "turn" Claire Balding. Outside the UK, Murray has been a weekly fixture on The Fan 590's breakfast programme in Toronto, Canada. Izzard tweeted: "So sorry to hear this. Anne Robinson is stepping down as the host of Channel 4 quiz show Countdown after a year. Marcel is survived by his beloved wife Jean.". "Im devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best. On leaving Cambridge in July 1965, Whiteley served three years as a trainee at ITN but left to join the newly created Yorkshire Television in July 1968. Carol Vorderman is among the famous faces signed up for the new series of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! WebList of deaths in Countdown (2019) View source. [4] He said on the 5 September 2022 edition of Countdown that for two days his name was Luke Wright, until "a family member pointed out that was a direction"; he later took his stepfather's surname. I want to say a big thank you to Ant & Dec when I see them in South Africa and I cant wait to take part in this new series. Who is Carol Vorderman and when was she on I'm A Celebrity? [7] [14] He got five stars tattooed on his arm when Liverpool won the European Cup for the fifth time. The Chase Law Group, LLC | 1447 York Road, Suite 505 | Lutherville, MD 21093 | (410) 790-4003, Easements and Related Real Property Agreements. 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"He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family.". Channel 4 Countdown is changing its line up to mark the game shows 40th anniversary. I loved everything about Im A Celebrity.. Murray announced via Twitter in July 2016 that he was to leave Talksport in September 2016, following the takeover of the station by News Corp. He worked alongside many big names including Sir Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Dame Vera Lynn. He also recorded a whopping 36 albums as a singer - five of which reached the UK Top 40. I will miss him so much," he said. Fellow comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Lock's, described the news of his death as "heart-breaking". Whilst living in Toronto, Canada, Murray became a supporter of the baseball team Toronto Blue Jays and a fan of Major League Baseball in general, and has since spent his annual summer holidays in North America watching MLB games. Richard Whiteley presented Countdown for over 20 years. Des was the ultimate Entertainer. It began in September 2003 in the weekend late-morning slot, but from March 2004 it was moved to the weekday afternoon slot. In 2006, Murray began his first role on BBC Radio 5 Live, hosting the sports-themed Saturday morning comedy panel game Fighting Talk, and also began presenting Channel 5's live UEFA Cup football coverage on midweek evenings. The statement read: It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des OConnor passed away yesterday. Comedian Sean Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, has died from cancer at the age of 58. After completing his National Service in the Royal Air Force, the host worked as a Redcoat at Butlins, which is where he met his first wife Phyllis. Ballet princess! He went on to feature as a guest for a range of panel shows over the ensuing years, including Have I Got News for You and QI. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice. "He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. Comedian Ross Noble called Sean Lock the best of the best. Every time we were in studio he made us roll around with laughter. [5] He was educated at the Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, and later at Dundonald High School, leaving after GCSEs. Gyles Brandreth described Des O'Connor as the "ultimate professional". He was one of Britains best-known TV presenters and graced our screens from 1963 until 2012. Whitely had appeared on screen for the past few weeks as the shows were pre-recorded, and this coming week was to have been the last to feature the presenter. Colin Murray, 45, has been confirmed as the new full time host of Countdown until March at least after taking over the teatime quiz as temporary presenter in July. Among his best-known tracks was the Max Bygraves hit Tulips From Amsterdam, released in 1958. 'On Countdown people seem to freeze when it comes to numbers. Carr said on Twitter: Brutal news about Sean Lock today. He was one of the UK's best-known television personalities. He released 36 albums, five of which reached the Top 40 on the albums chart. She will become the game show's first female host in its 39-year We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Countdownwas considered Britain's best loved nerd, and relatives and friends were shocked last night when they learned he had died. Des enjoyed a brief stint as a professional footballer at Northampton Town FC before working a succession of odd jobs, including as a complaints clerk in a boot and shoe factory. She is hoping to inspire children to aim as high as she and her siblings did. 'If I am able to inspire just one more arithmetician or a mathematician by being my authentic self on screen then I am happy to be able to take up that space and show a different side of what arithmeticians can look like,' said Anne-Marie. "Des was the ultimate entertainer. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Marcel Stellman: Countdown creator dies aged 96 - BBC News The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. Channel 4 issued a statement expressing their sympathy. We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! Murray made his Talksport debut on 12 August 2013 on a new show entitled Colin Murray and Friends. [27] Murray expressed deep regret for the line and stated that he did not come up with it, but that it had been written on his autocue. He wrote on Twitter: With the passing of Sean Lock we have lost the best of the best. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. It was rebooted again in 2002. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed.". Carol continued to appear on Countdown with hosts Des Lynam and Des OConnor, before leaving in 2008. The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. Please enable Javascript and reload the page. Instead, a series of guest presenters have hosted the show, Heres to the next 40! It comes after Anne Robinson quit the show earlier this year. The Chase and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? But despite Countdown celebrating its 40th birthday this month, Colin has been nowhere to be seen. Countdown's new host Colin Murray breaks silence after bagging Countdownco-presenter Carol Vorderman, who joined on the popular teatime game show for all its 23 years, was "absolutely devastated". Although Countdown was Stellman's most notable TV success, his association with the small screen began in the 1940s and 1950s. A favourite among many fans, he appeared on the first 18 series, opposite team captains including Jason Manford and Jon Richardson.He left the show in 2015 and was replaced by Rob Beckett at the beginning of series 19. His family paid tribute He adored his family - they were everything to him.". [7][8][9] After returning from Toronto he moved into music journalism, writing for newspapers about rock and pop bands, including establishing a long-standing column in the Irish Sunday People, before moving into the music magazine business with a new title called BLANK. Sadly he passed away in 2005 after contracting pneumonia. Murray is credited as the interviewer for "Lock the Box", a 40-minute video interview with Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis, which discusses the tracks selected for the band's retrospective album Stop the Clocks. "Des was the ultimate Entertainer. Des may be famous for his TV roles, but he also had a brief career as a professional footballer with Northampton Town. Countdown host Anne-Marie Imafidon dies "I hope I've encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.". I'm a doctor and here are the 5 signs you may have intestinal parasites, Do not sell or share my personal information. The veteran entertainer - best known as a chat show host and Whitely never missed an episode in 23 years until he fell ill from pneumonia in May this year. On 7 November 2020, it was announced that Murray would replace Nick Hewer as host of Countdown as the second coronavirus lockdown precluded Hewer, 76, from being able to travel to the set. This was followed byDes OConnor Entertains, a show which ran for two series between 1974 and 1976 and featured singing, dancing and comedy sketches. [16] It began as a Saturday night show,[9] but later moved to Fridays. Comedian Jack Whitehall tweeted: So sad about Sean Lock. [17] The Friday slot was a weekend preview show, Kicking Off with Colin Murray,[16] while the Sunday show comprises six hours of live sports coverage. In a tweet he wrote: "Des O'Connor was such a nice, nice man. He said: 'All we need to know is what makes a child tick and allow them to explore that inclination. It is a sad day for the TV industry today after it was confirmed that Des OConnor has died at the age of 88. Agent Ms Lake-Smith said in a statement: "He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. Call for millions to take part in 'Homage of the People' to King Charles at the coronation sparks backlash Princess of Wales 'plans to go without a tiara and wear a floral headpiece for King Charles' coronation 'It makes me proud to be British': The Royal superfans who started camping out on the Mall more than a week Bank holiday treat! She is working in financial technology, with degrees from Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania. Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. Having initially auditioned as the entertainment presenter, Murray was instead chosen as a news presenter. [14], That year Murray left the Radio 1 Colin and Edith show to start The Colin Murray Show, a new music show on the same station beginning in September, showcasing new and alternative music in the Mondays-to-Thursdays 10pm midnight slot, with Bowman remaining in the lunchtime slot. Murray has won three Gold Sony Radio Academy Awards. Melanie Sykes today led tributes for her former co-host, writing: "Des had the softest hands of anyone I ever met and the kindest of hearts. "[20] Murray is also the Irish Football Association's Football for All ambassador.[39]. [7], In 2006 Murray became the new presenter of BBC Radio 5 Live's Saturday morning comedy sports panel quiz show, Fighting Talk, his first regular show on 5 Live. In an interview with the Guardian, he said, "The second I said it, I knew it was too much." In the 2007 Sony Awards he was named 'Music Broadcaster of the Year'; in the 2005 Awards he was given the Feature Award for a documentary, entitled The Trouble with Drugs,[11] while in 2011 he took gold for best sport programme, for Fighting Talk. Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: "So sorry to hear of the death of entertainer, comedian and all round lovely man Des O'Connor. They separated in 2022.[1]. Anne Robinson to be the new host of Countdown - BBC News "He was a joy to work with," his agent said. Despite a popular and successful run with Talksport, Murray announced he would be leaving the station with his final show being on 2 September 2016. A lovely man". The TV legend was born on January 12, 1932 in Stepney, East London but was evacuated to Northampton during the Second World War. 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