Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
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Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
To start with he looked a bit serious, but seems to be thawing out slightly. I think he a bit nervous as well as, incedibly, a sufferer from vertigo.
Yesterday I felt that Carol was doing her best to be funny and cheerful to make him more at ease. As for contestants - I wish that dog woman would smile a bit.
Yesterday I felt that Carol was doing her best to be funny and cheerful to make him more at ease. As for contestants - I wish that dog woman would smile a bit.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I had the same thought about the !dog woman!.Des mentioned her sombre appearance after the game today.
Apparently she is cheerful when she is not playing the game and its concentrating on the game that makes her seem so serious.
Apparently she is cheerful when she is not playing the game and its concentrating on the game that makes her seem so serious.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I thought he looked quite subdued which is a pity because I was looking forward to seeing him as a guest and have made a point of hanging around for the anecdotes.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Although he claimed to suffer from vertigo, it sounded like what he was describing wasn't vertigo at all, but altophobia.John Bosley wrote:To start with he looked a bit serious, but seems to be thawing out slightly. I think he a bit nervous as well as, incedibly, a sufferer from vertigo.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
He obviously isn't a born performer - but I thought his story today was quite funny, and believable. At least he isn't a lot of things - politician, actor, comedian, retired news presenter etc. But doesn't his neck make you think of a werewolf?
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
"John Douglas"]He obviously isn't a born performer - but I thought his story today was quite funny, and believable. At least he isn't a lot of things - politician, actor, comedian, retired news presenter etc. But doesn't his neck make you think of a werewolf?[/quote][quote wrote:
The neck fur is handy.He doesn,t need a scarf when he visits the North Pole.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I like him far more than I though I was going to. I love his dry humour. For example on Tuesday commenting that his companion, whose feet were raw of skin, had developed piles, and eye sockets full of blood "winged a little". And today, they way he quite openly said that he put his companion between himself and the polar bear. I seem to remember there was something similar I liked yesterday, but can't recall it now.
He's definitely a refreshing change. But I'm not sure we could cope with more than about two blocks with him.
He's definitely a refreshing change. But I'm not sure we could cope with more than about two blocks with him.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Yes. He has got better - and is,in fact, a refreshing change in the wry way he tells things.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Yes, agreed. Enjoy the anecdotes.John Bosley wrote:Yes. He has got better - and is,in fact, a refreshing change in the wry way he tells things.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Glad you liked him. The crew here thought he was a marvellous, inspiring gentleman.
I think by the end of his run you'll all be ardent fans. Well, perhaps not all of you, but its very very hard not to warm to the guy. He's actually a living legend.
I think by the end of his run you'll all be ardent fans. Well, perhaps not all of you, but its very very hard not to warm to the guy. He's actually a living legend.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I was expecting someone like one of the old explorers, a member of the original Everest conquering team, who came to talk to us when I was at school. No humour at all, and very boring.
With Ran the Man, he's completely different. I warmed to him on his first day. After the second, I've been eagerly awaiting his spot, which is more than I can say about a lot of the guests.
Well done for getting him.
With Ran the Man, he's completely different. I warmed to him on his first day. After the second, I've been eagerly awaiting his spot, which is more than I can say about a lot of the guests.
Well done for getting him.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I have to admit when he was first on I thought it'd be a case of 'great man, no-so-great DC guest' but now I'm convinced his greatness knows no bounds.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Howard Somerset wrote:I was expecting someone like one of the old explorers, a member of the original Everest conquering team, who came to talk to us when I was at school. No humour at all, and very boring.
With Ran the Man, he's completely different. I warmed to him on his first day. After the second, I've been eagerly awaiting his spot, which is more than I can say about a lot of the guests.
Well done for getting him.
The praise there goes to Kate Horton. She suggested him, i had my doubts but gave in, and was subsequently proven to be totally wrong. Mind you, in self-defence, Kate DID suggest Ernie Wise only a few weeks earlier, even though he's been dead for about 10 years. She'll love reading this tomorrow. Kate even read his autobiography before he came on and discovered that he had a huge passion for a certain pudding (i think it was rhubarb crumble). On the day of his recordings, she told the catering team to make the crumble. At lunch, he was majorly impressed at the gesture and its little things like this that keep our guests so eager to come back. They genuinely love coming on the show. There's a lot of things done behind the scenes that you'll never get to find out about, but i can honestly say that the production team on Countdown are the most dedicated and hard-working bunch you could ever meet. It's not a show you can work on unless you love it, and they are extremely proud of what they do and they do love it to pieces. 3 cheers for Lara, Kate, Sarah and Cindy, they often get little praise and i get perhaps too much, but they deserve recognition for all they do and despite their collective facial deformities, they are a joy to work with.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
When I saw this thread I was wondering if that was really his name, so I googled it and he seems like quite an interesting bloke.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
He'd still be a better guest than Ann Widdecombe. He could decompose while Des O'Connor quoted passages from his autobiography at him.Damian E wrote:Mind you, in self-defence, Kate DID suggest Ernie Wise only a few weeks earlier, even though he's been dead for about 10 years.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Ouch, thats bad.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I reckon a good guest would be Stephen Fry.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Worst. Guest. Ever.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
[quote="John Bosley"]To start with he looked a bit serious, but seems to be thawing out slightly.
Was that a deliberate tribute to his frost-bitten ex-toes...?
Today was the first time I saw him on the programme. His neck is a little scary, but he's great - I think he just has a deadpan demeanour, but I guess you don't want someone excitable if you're doing what he does.... Imagine Alan Carr halfway up a frozen mountain.
Kevin
Was that a deliberate tribute to his frost-bitten ex-toes...?
Today was the first time I saw him on the programme. His neck is a little scary, but he's great - I think he just has a deadpan demeanour, but I guess you don't want someone excitable if you're doing what he does.... Imagine Alan Carr halfway up a frozen mountain.
Kevin
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
If Only!!Kevin Thurlow wrote:.... Imagine Alan Carr halfway up a frozen mountain.
Kevin
She came, she saw - oh well, at least she tried!
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Don't you like Alan Carr, Debbie?DebbiF wrote:If Only!!Kevin Thurlow wrote:.... Imagine Alan Carr halfway up a frozen mountain.
Kevin
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Joseph Bolas wrote:Don't you like Alan Carr, Debbie?DebbiF wrote:If Only!!Kevin Thurlow wrote:.... Imagine Alan Carr halfway up a frozen mountain.
Kevin
In a word - No
She came, she saw - oh well, at least she tried!
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Who would you suggest John? (or anyone else for that matter), must be loads of people that could be asked.John Bradley wrote:Worst. Guest. Ever.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
One often thinks it might be a non-celebrity. Someone who likes words and is smiley and has sufficient life interest to be asked about this and that. In fact, someone like me. Would not cost as much either.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
jeff wharton wrote:"John Douglas"]He obviously isn't a born performer - but I thought his story today was quite funny, and believable. At least he isn't a lot of things - politician, actor, comedian, retired news presenter etc. But doesn't his neck make you think of a werewolf?[quote wrote:
The neck fur is handy.He doesn,t need a scarf when he visits the North Pole. [/quote]
OK. Got it.
16/10/2007 - Episode 4460
Dinos Sfyris 76 - 78 Dorian Lidell
Proof that even idiots can get well and truly mainwheeled.
Dinos Sfyris 76 - 78 Dorian Lidell
Proof that even idiots can get well and truly mainwheeled.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I'd also like to compliment the production team on this particular choice of guest, it's the first time in a long time I've been genuinely interested in the guest's anecdotes.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Well...the first question is does the show really need a guest? Maybe with the new hosts they will ditch the 'celebrity' guest - why not, do they really add anything to the show? That's not what we watch it for.nick hancock wrote:Who would you suggest John? (or anyone else for that matter), must be loads of people that could be asked.John Bradley wrote:Worst. Guest. Ever.
That aside, I think comedians work best. They are used to an audience and telling a good yarn. Harry Hill...JLC...etc etc
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Glad that people are warming to him, he seemed a bit nervous/wooden the first few rounds I saw. I've heard a few of his stories from Top Gear and probably other shows I've forgotten - he's probably achieved more in a given month than most people have in a lifetime. One of the few modern day people who absolutely earned his awards and recognition.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I'm sure that's not true of everyone on C4C, and certainly not of the Countdown audience at large, I would imagine. Personally, I think some of the guests are great and add a lot to the show.John Bradley wrote:Well...the first question is does the show really need a guest? Maybe with the new hosts they will ditch the 'celebrity' guest - why not, do they really add anything to the show? That's not what we watch it for.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I agree that he was great, though it took a little time to work out that he wasn't bored/disinterested/wondering what the hell he was doing there. Once I realised that was just his general demeanour (I haven't really seen much of him before to know that), I thought he was fantastic.
Oh, and for the CoC recordings Kate might be interested in the fact that Beef Wellington is my favourite meal, and I enjoy back rubs.
Oh, and for the CoC recordings Kate might be interested in the fact that Beef Wellington is my favourite meal, and I enjoy back rubs.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Jon Corby wrote:I agree that he was great, though it took a little time to work out that he wasn't bored/disinterested/wondering what the hell he was doing there. Once I realised that was just his general demeanour (I haven't really seen much of him before to know that), I thought he was fantastic.
Oh, and for the CoC recordings Kate might be interested in the fact that Beef Wellington is my favourite meal, and I enjoy back rubs.
Food preferences noted, Corby. As for the back rub - speak to Damian.
Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Not sure about a back rub, but i'm happy to provide cranial massage with the thick end of a cricket batKateHorton wrote:Jon Corby wrote:I agree that he was great, though it took a little time to work out that he wasn't bored/disinterested/wondering what the hell he was doing there. Once I realised that was just his general demeanour (I haven't really seen much of him before to know that), I thought he was fantastic.
Oh, and for the CoC recordings Kate might be interested in the fact that Beef Wellington is my favourite meal, and I enjoy back rubs.
Food preferences noted, Corby. As for the back rub - speak to Damian.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
That is a good point John, that could start a new debate....John Bradley wrote:Well...the first question is does the show really need a guest? Maybe with the new hosts they will ditch the 'celebrity' guest - why not, do they really add anything to the show? That's not what we watch it for.nick hancock wrote:Who would you suggest John? (or anyone else for that matter), must be loads of people that could be asked.John Bradley wrote:Worst. Guest. Ever.
That aside, I think comedians work best. They are used to an audience and telling a good yarn. Harry Hill...JLC...etc etc
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I'll quote myself for once - why not?John Bosley wrote:One often thinks it might be a non-celebrity. Someone who likes words and is smiley and has sufficient life interest to be asked about this and that. In fact, someone like me. Would not cost as much either.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
... because it amounts to self-aggrandisement?John Bosley wrote:I'll quote myself for once - why not?John Bosley wrote:One often thinks it might be a non-celebrity. Someone who likes words and is smiley and has sufficient life interest to be asked about this and that. In fact, someone like me. Would not cost as much either.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
Is it me, you mean? If so, rather a nasty little comment. Clearly irony is somewhat above some people.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
And you're one of them, it seems.John Bosley wrote:Clearly irony is somewhat above some people.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I think he has been a refreshing change from the usual celebrity guests. He has a wonderful dry sense of humour.
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I agree with you, Sue - - and Charlie, touché!
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Re: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes
I really enjoyed Ran's visit and hope he'll come back sometime. I read his autobiography (Living Dangerously) a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I guessed his anecdotes would be interesting. I really must read it again as I've forgotten most of it (an age problem, I think) but I do remember that he was once in the SAS but was thrown out for blowing up an American film set! Oh yes, and he was seriously handsome in his young days. Damien, once things are settled re new set up, please try and get him back. I love Stephen Fry too and am sure he'd have some great anecdotes.Sue Sheldon wrote:I think he has been a refreshing change from the usual celebrity guests. He has a wonderful dry sense of humour.