c4countdown

After hearing what Countdown is going to be like in 2009, I think a good alternate title for Countdown would be, "The Jeff Stelling Show."

Does anyone know if Jeff has made the show all about the contestants much like the other hosts have?

I ask because I hear that watching Countdown will be just like watching Sky Sports.

I really don't understand that, so I should ask, how so?

I think it might be easier to judge the quality of the programme after we've seen it.

Thank you, David.

After reading the reply to a thread in this forum that stated, "Countdown is essentially Sky Sports Soccer Saturday" (meaning the show with a Countdown twist, I presume,) I realize that the whole analogy must not actually be funny.

But, I've been told that we shouldn't judge newer Countdown episodes until we see them.

Will someone please do me a favor and give me an example of what Countdown would be like if I were in a contestant's shoes?

Jason Larsen wrote:Will someone please do me a favor and give me an example of what Countdown would be like if I were in a contestant's shoes?

It would be the same except that one of the conestants wouldn't have any shoes on. But you don't normally see their feet anyway.

I was just being figurative, Gavin!

What would a recent taping of Countdown be like?

Jason Larsen wrote:What would a recent taping of Countdown be like?

Sky Sports.

Alan Hawkshaw didn't touch the theme song, I hope!

Jason Larsen wrote:Alan Hawkshaw didn't touch the theme song, I hope!

No, but they've extended the clock music to fit in a short advert break in the middle of each round. Apart from that, it's pretty much the same, but better...

It is still Jeff and Rachel's show, though!

An alternate title? A different title for every second episode? Or perhaps you meant an alternative title.

Andy, I'm not sure if it will be like Jeff Stelling will make it his show. If I was sure he wouldn't, then I wouldn't have created this thread.

Andy Thomson wrote:An alternate title? A different title for every second episode? Or perhaps you meant an alternative title.

But Jason's American. Alternative and Alternate are interchangeable in standard American English:

http://www.bartleby.com/68/12/312.html

I thought everyone knew that.

I've read this thread a few times now and I have literally no clue as to what the hell Jason is talking about. Its like you are speaking a foreign language and then cut and pasting it onto a translater into English.

I'm sorry!

I meant to say without question that it will still be the contestants' show, and Jeff will not make it his own.

I wouldnt be too sure. The most charismatic and popular presenter on UK TV alongside a bunch of generally socially-deficient meek middle-aged men?

Matthew Green wrote:I wouldnt be too sure. The most charismatic and popular presenter on UK TV alongside a bunch of generally socially-deficient meek middle-aged men?

The more I hear about Jeff (and Rachel) the more intrigued I am about the new season. Am I the only person who had never heard of Jeff Stelling until he was mentioned in connection with the Countdown host's job? Even now, I've never knowingly seen him on TV.

Matthew Green wrote:I wouldnt be too sure. The most charismatic and popular presenter on UK TV alongside a bunch of generally socially-deficient meek middle-aged men?

I wouldn't call Charlie, Junaid & Kai to name but three, middle aged. And I presume that meek was a typo and that geek was intended. I love the idea of being promoted to geek.
A note to future contestants on the Jeff Stelling & Rachel show. Be careful what you say. JS might overhear and suddenly bring it up on camera when you least expect it.

The thing that strikes me about the photos of Jeff and Rachel is how American they look. Like they're channelling Pat Sajak and Vanna White or something. (One for Jason Larsen there!)

Howard Somerset wrote:Am I the only person who had never heard of Jeff Stelling until he was mentioned in connection with the Countdown host's job?

No. I still don't really understand why so many people seem to have heard of him - I guess Sky must be more popular than I thought.

When they were looking for the people to bring Countdown into its new era, they chose Jeff and Rachel because they were confident that it would still be a show all about the contestants. They thought Jeff and Rachel would bring more memories to Countdown.

Two people here, namely Kate and Lara, can tell you that for sure!

And Pete, no, they are not channeling Pat and Vanna!

Pete Fraser wrote:The thing that strikes me about the photos of Jeff and Rachel is how American they look.

I've long thought that Jeff Stelling is the spit of the greatest Channel 4 quizmaster of all time:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/151 ... bb.jpg?v=0

Phil Reynolds wrote:

Howard Somerset wrote:Am I the only person who had never heard of Jeff Stelling until he was mentioned in connection with the Countdown host's job?

No. I still don't really understand why so many people seem to have heard of him - I guess Sky must be more popular than I thought.

Me too - I think it must be a footie thing, judging by the enthusiasm for the various teams mentioned.
Is it true that contestants are required to state who they support in their profile?

PeterMabey wrote:Is it true that contestants are required to state who they support in their profile?

It's on the application form now; if you put that you don't support a team or don't like football, the application goes straight in the bin apparently.

Jon Corby wrote:

PeterMabey wrote:Is it true that contestants are required to state who they support in their profile?

It's on the application form now; if you put that you don't support a team or don't like football, the application goes straight in the bin apparently.

Because it means you're a poofter.

Michael Wallace wrote:

Jon Corby wrote:

PeterMabey wrote:Is it true that contestants are required to state who they support in their profile?

It's on the application form now; if you put that you don't support a team or don't like football, the application goes straight in the bin apparently.

Because it means you're a poofter.

Oi.

Somebody online said that Jeff looks like Bob Monkhouse when he was younger. I bet if he knows that now he takes that as a compliment.

However, everyone makes mistakes and does anyone remember his "$64,000 Question" blooper?

Jeff may make some of them but I don't think he'll laugh if he does. This is one of the reasons why I am under the impression that you all think he is a natural.

Consequently positively, Jeff will make Countdown his own show, and I have no doubt about that!

Lucy Gowers wrote:

Andy Thomson wrote:An alternate title? A different title for every second episode? Or perhaps you meant an alternative title.

But Jason's American. Alternative and Alternate are interchangeable in standard American English:

http://www.bartleby.com/68/12/312.html

I thought everyone knew that.

Maybe they do. Maybe even I do. But I didn't know Jason was American.

Andy Thomson wrote:

Lucy Gowers wrote:

Andy Thomson wrote:An alternate title? A different title for every second episode? Or perhaps you meant an alternative title.

But Jason's American. Alternative and Alternate are interchangeable in standard American English:

http://www.bartleby.com/68/12/312.html

I thought everyone knew that.

Maybe they do. Maybe even I do. But I didn't know Jason was American.

His location is a clue

PeterMabey wrote:
His location is a clue

A fair point Peter but not necessarily true. I know quite a number of Americans who live in the UK and a number of Brits who live in the US. I had assumed - misguidedly as it transpires - that anyone who was familiar with Countdown must perforce be from these shores. Is it transmitted in the States or has Jason lived in the UK?

Andy Thomson wrote:

PeterMabey wrote:
His location is a clue

A fair point Peter but not necessarily true. I know quite a number of Americans who live in the UK and a number of Brits who live in the US. I had assumed - misguidedly as it transpires - that anyone who was familiar with Countdown must perforce be from these shores. Is it transmitted in the States or has Jason lived in the UK?

I don't believe they're transmitted over there (and I'm fairly sure that we'd find out from the Larster himself if they started doing so). Fortunately he can get his fix thanks to the wonders of torrenting.

Michael Wallace wrote:I don't believe they're transmitted over there

Apparently they did do a pilot though, but it was scrapped because it was deemed too intellectual for an American audience.

Lucy Gowers wrote:

Pete Fraser wrote:The thing that strikes me about the photos of Jeff and Rachel is how American they look.

I've long thought that Jeff Stelling is the spit of the greatest Channel 4 quizmaster of all time:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/151 ... bb.jpg?v=0

Lmao, that's spot on.

Ben Hunter wrote: Lmao, that's spot on.

Talking of images, why do you have such a crap avatar?

Charlie Reams wrote:

Ben Hunter wrote: Lmao, that's spot on.

Talking of images, why do you have such a crap avatar?

It's better than yours - where's the Oliver Queen cosplay photo we all want to see?

Lucy Gowers wrote:

Pete Fraser wrote:The thing that strikes me about the photos of Jeff and Rachel is how American they look.

I've long thought that Jeff Stelling is the spit of the greatest Channel 4 quizmaster of all time:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/151 ... bb.jpg?v=0

Do you have a logon on f365 now it's gone members-only Lucy?

Charlie Reams wrote:

Ben Hunter wrote: Lmao, that's spot on.

Talking of images, why do you have such a crap avatar?

I have a thing for fat, Chinese babies.

Ben Hunter wrote:

Charlie Reams wrote:

Ben Hunter wrote: Lmao, that's spot on.

Talking of images, why do you have such a crap avatar?

I have a thing for fat, Chinese babies.

I thought that was you.

Yes, I watch Countdown on the website, http://www.uknova.com, and I did know that an American Countdown pilot was scrapped for being too intellectual.

I fail to see what that has to do with raccoons.

Jon Corby wrote:

Lucy Gowers wrote:

Pete Fraser wrote:The thing that strikes me about the photos of Jeff and Rachel is how American they look.

I've long thought that Jeff Stelling is the spit of the greatest Channel 4 quizmaster of all time:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/151 ... bb.jpg?v=0

Do you have a logon on f365 now it's gone members-only Lucy?

Not yet, Jon. I'll probably sort it out over Christmas. I did see the CoC pics you posted before the lockdown

The shirt looks really good. Did you explain the significance of it on camera or are the viewers left to ponder its enigma? And are you bringing out a clothing range?!

Lucy Gowers wrote:The shirt looks really good. Did you explain the significance of it on camera or are the viewers left to ponder its enigma? And are you bringing out a clothing range?!

Nah, Jeff asked me about the shirt but I asked him not to mention it on camera. I'm not sure it could really be explained in any way that would be interesting (or entertaining) other than to those in the know, in which case it would be utterly redundant.

I do have a "clothing range" in that they sent me two ridiculously enormous shirts to start with (having asked for medium), so if any fat bastards out there want one (the unusual motif might deflect attention away from your hideous gut), they're welcome to it! Or maybe some delectable young lady could use one as a nightshirt (provided they send me photos of them in it)

Jon Corby wrote:Or maybe some delectable young lady could use one as a nightshirt (provided they send me photos of them in it)

*flutters eyelashes*

I'm neither delectable nor young, but I could use a new night shirt!

Michael Wallace wrote:*flutters eyelashes*

I just done a little sick in my mouth.

(Thank god for the little feature which alerts you when somebody else has already posted while you're typing your reply when you try to submit it, otherwise this would have originally appeared below Mrs Kai's response without the quote from Michael, which would have been horrible! Mrs Kai, if you're prepared to keep up the "photo" end of the bargain, you're welcome to one )

How about if I sent you a photo of my wife in it?

Jon Corby wrote:

Michael Wallace wrote:*flutters eyelashes*

I just done a little sick in my mouth.

(Thank god for the little feature which alerts you when somebody else has already posted while you're typing your reply when you try to submit it, otherwise this would have originally appeared below Mrs Kai's response without the quote from Michael, which would have been horrible! Mrs Kai, if you're prepared to keep up the "photo" end of the bargain, you're welcome to one )

Thanks for the explanation there Jon! A bit of photo editing, and you're on!!

Michael Wallace wrote:How about if I sent you a photo of my wife in it?

Your personal life seems somewhat complicated - on another thread you alluded to your fiance [sic].

Sorry, I meant 'the wife'.

Hope that clears things up.

Mrs Kai wrote:Thanks for the explanation there Jon! A bit of photo editing, and you're on!!

You have first choice of the white or light blue. You'll also need to PM me your postal address to mail it to please

Countdown will not be called, "Raccoon Boy!"

You have first choice of the white or light blue. You'll also need to PM me your postal address to mail it to please [/quote]

I forgot to say "Thank you"

You're welcome, Naomi, but I think you're kidding!

Eh???

Yes ma'am!

Jason Larsen wrote:Yes ma'am!

Sorry Jason, but I'm not quite sure what planet you're on with this!

Mrs Kai wrote:

Jason Larsen wrote:Yes ma'am!

Sorry Jason, but I'm not quite sure what planet you're on with this!

In one of your above posts, Mrs Kai, you said

Mrs Kai wrote:I forgot to say "Thank you"

Now this was for Corby I believe, but from the looks of it Jason thought you meant him (as you said this after his post), so he replied by saying you're welcome.

Jason Larsen wrote:Yes, I watch Countdown on the website, http://www.uknova.com, and I did know that an American Countdown pilot was scrapped for being too intellectual.

Sorry Jason, I didn't look at this thread until after I'd asked you how Sarah could receive Countdown in Canada on the 'Other Topics' thread. I think a computer would be too complicated for her to cope with, so don't worry. I'll keep her up to date on how the new show goes.

I believe you, Naomi, and Kathie, who is sarah?