c4countdown

I'm sad to report that long-time producer of the show Michael Wylie passed away early this morning. Michael was the runner up in the first ever series of Countdown and worked on the show for many years, becoming a familiar name at the end of the credits until moving on to pastures new a few years ago. He co-wrote the famous Spreading The Word with Damian and also worked on many of the puzzle books. His friendly demeanor, and fearsome numbers ability, was legendary with those who worked with him, and he will be greatly missed.

Sad news - a real Countdown legend, hugely responsible for its continued longevity and success.

My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Sad news, indeed.
My sympathies to all his family and friends.

Wow, and we only saw him last year in Dictionary Corner.

Sad news indeed, condolences to his family & friends.

I never got to meet the great man but my thoughts go out to whom he worked with and his family and friends.

Michael was a wonderful man. Caring, considerate, funny, and of course fantastic at Countdown. He had such a kind heart and would have gladly given you the shirt from his back if you needed it. He generousity knew no bounds.

I had the pleasure of working with him for a just a few months where he guided me through my first tentative steps on this iconic show. He was an absolute joy. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Very sad news indeed. I didn't know much about him, other than that for many years he was one of the main people listed in the credits of Countdown each day, and for three programmes last year he deputised excellently for Susie.

Only two weeks ago he was in the audience for the Series 59 final and for the Tribute to Carol programme. At the end of the tribute programme he was persuaded to join the rest of the crew, and may well be visible to all as the programme closes.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Terrible news.

Not sure I can add much to what has been said already. Terribly sad news and the loss of another Countdown legend. At Damian's request, I have added a small note to my site. The least I can do, really.

Met him at the series 55 finals. Friendly bloke. Sadly missed.

My word - that's a shock indeed. My recollection of him is from 1985, so it's not current. But I remember him as a larger than life character (from Leith, if memory serves correctly). Was his untimely passing connected to his weight, by any chance? My condolences to all who knew him.

This is such a shock. I met him at an audition, he was a really likable and funny guy. Could never have imagined this happening to him...

Sympathy goes to all his family and friends.

Damn, terrible news. My condolences to his friends and family.

I don't think I met Mr Wylie. but my condolences to his friends and family.

Never met him but saw his brief stint in dictionary corner as mentioned earlier. Must be a hell of a shock to everyone involved with Countdown.

My sympathies to all those who knew him.

I got the opportunity to meet Michael when he filled in for Susie in dictionary corner last year; he came across as a very friendly and likeable man.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Terrible news - such a nice guy, friendly and funny. Condolences to his friends and family.

Kevin

This must be the only topic when even the Bevatron can't come up with a joke.

And RIP, Mr Legend.

That is so sad! What a loss!

After I'd filmed Countdown but before it was aired, my husband and I got a place on the 'National Lottery: Come and Have A Go' with Julian Clary. I was certain I'd signed something at Countdown to say that I wouldn't go on any other quiz shows until after it had aired. I phone up and spoke to Michael. His response? 'Don't worry about that love. Go and win some money!' Brilliant! What a lovely guy! Definitely going to be missed.

This is a massive shock. He has played such an important part in the success of the show and will be sadly missed.

My condolences also to his family and friends.

Very sad indeed - I thought he was great in DC.

Very sad news and want to add my condolences. Vague memories only, but I recall back in 1999 how he would pop down from the production room between shows, and offer a cheery and encouraging word to everyone. A very sad loss to the programme.

RIP

My condolences.

I never met Michael but know he made an incredible contribution to Countdown throughout his life, and by the sounds of it was a thoroughly decent man too. Very sorry to see him go.

I didn't know him personally, but it sounds like he made a great contribution to Countdown, and will also be sorely missed by his family and friends. My condolences to them.

Oh, no!

Lara, if you're reading this I am now thanking you more than ever for sending me Spreading The Word for my birthday this year!

I hope his passing wasn't too painful, and I'm glad those of you who got to know him liked him very much.

Deepest sympathies to all his family!

Just found about this from Quizzing.co.uk - terribly sad news, and my condolences to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.

Everyone wants their lives to end quickly and painlessly. I'm still waiting to find out whether that was the case with Michael.

Very sad news. Enjoyed his appearances in DC last year.

RIP.

What very sad news indeed. Michael was in charge of my audition in Glasgow in 1991 & his geniality & ability to me & the others at ease was wonderful. I was lucky enough to get through the audition only to lose to James Martin who became an octochamp. It boiled down to a word round when I volunteered COMEDY but he creamed me with CREAMED as I got the conundrum - UNDERHAND.

My condolences also to Michael's family and friends.

Sad news indeed. Sounds like he was an awesome guy. He's gone but his legacy lives on. Condolences to his friends and family.

RIP to a truly wonderful man

Hi, Tracey!

Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself!

Yes, Michael passed away months ago, but we still miss him!