Simply click here to subscribe and stay up to date with all the latest from across the city and wider West Midlands. 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! Marcel Stellman: Countdown creator dies aged 96 - BBC News We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! The agent added: "Jodie's world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. countdown presenter Tributes have poured in online for the comedian, with his former co-host Melanie Sykes leading the way. 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. 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. The 61-year-old, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, died yesterday, [38] Murray returned to Countdown as host on 14 July 2022, following Anne Robinson's departure, staying until at least early November, where he would take a short hiatus while 4 guest presenters presented each week in honour of the programme's 40th anniversary. [28] The episode has been removed from all online playback sources.[29]. [34], Murray has continued his journalism work into his presenting career by writing a monthly 'radio diary' piece for The Guardian newspaper. Radio Personalities The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. Countdownfamily. [6] In 2007 Murray directed magician Chris Cox's Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, Everything Happens for a Reason. The TV legends agent confirmed he died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, after suffering a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. In 1963, he was given his own variety show The Des O'Connor Show - and also released music later in the decade including number one hit I Pretend. He also hosted the BBC Two nightly highlights show for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa through June and July. Worlds a less funny place without him. Of course his stand-up and panel show work was exemplary but 15 Storeys High is a truly beautiful thing. 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. He also hosted Channel 4 quiz show Countdown with Carol Vorderman, with the pair bowing out together in 2008. 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, who co-host the chat show, Today With Des and Mel said Des had the kindest of hearts. 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[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. 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. 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. One of the best. Unseen family photos of Charles with Prince George and Princess Charlotte are From breathtaking beaches to epic waterfalls and lost valleys: Fascinating new guidebook bursting with Tearful A&E patient begs Rishi Sunak to 'pay staff fairly' after brutal 8-hour wait on first day of Saboteurs derail Russian freight train with explosives 37 miles from Ukraine and destroy power cables in Pictured: Man in his 30s stabbed to death in knife rampage outside nightclub in Cornwall which left seven Why you DON'T need to ask your in-laws' permission to propose! From 2003 onwards Murray established himself as a music radio presenter on the weekday daytime Colin and Edith show, alongside Edith Bowman. Anne, 76, is no novice when it comes to presenting television game shows, having been the host of The Weakest Link for 12 years. Also paying tribute was dictionary corner's Susie Dent, who said the show had lost its "patriarch and most passionate advocate". Stay up to date with all the latest news from across Birmingham and your area with our daily newsletter. "He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The Northern Irish radio and television presenter reacted to [10], By 2002, Murray's work in radio and television earned him an audition as one of six co-presenters of Channel 4's new national breakfast television show, RI:SE. 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. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed. [5] He was educated at the Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, and later at Dundonald High School, leaving after GCSEs. Anne-Marie Imafidon, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. dies We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Peel played music he liked; I just play music I like". "Des, who was 88, was so well loved by absolutely everyone. In a statement, she said: "We have had thousands of messages from our Anne-Marie, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. Interactive map shows how average age of nation varies by region as Mobsters burned alive, public stonings, gang-rape, ransom demands and political assassinations: How violence Mystery of Gina Lollobrigida's missing 9 million: Battle for Italian sex symbol's fortune takes a new twist How to get YOUR blue tick back: Twitter hack brings back legacy check marks - but there's a huge catch. FromAmir Khanto Janice Dickinson, Paul Burrell, and Shaun Ryder, all the iconic campmates are back, albeit in South Africa rather than Australia. The pair's working relationship was close, and when she left the show after contract negotiations turned sour Stellman expressed his "upset". He was recovering well and had been in great spirits, visited by his family - in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations - and looking forward to going home. Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep. He was guest of honour at their end-of-season awards. Ultimate entertainer' Des O'Connor dies 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. Labour MP Austin Mitchell, who worked with Whiteley, praised "Yorkshire's best-loved TV personality". With a passion for both music and sport, he later moved into music journalism and publishing, before making his national radio debut in 1999 on Radio 1 in a short spell co-hosting The Session music show. Ballet princess! If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. Channel 4 sources He kicked off his showbiz career appearing in variety theatres across the country, but got his big TV break in the late 1950s as a presenter for ITVs Spot The Tune. Is climate change killing Australian wine? "These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman is a British media personality, arguably best known for appearing on the classic Channel 4 gameshow Countdown for 26 years. Tributes today flooded in to remember the legendary TV star and former host of Countdown. Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts. I will miss him.". She said: It made me realise that you need to live in the now. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Kate takes Charlotte to watch Cinderella at the Royal Opera House ahead of her 8th 'Grandpa King is adorable!' Anne Robinson has announced that she is leaving Countdown after just one year as host of the Channel 4 quiz show.. 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. "A true original both in comedy and life. Richard Whiteley presented Countdown for over 20 years. [8] Murray is also a season ticket-holder at the Welsh club Pontypridd Town, with whom he has promoted tours across Spain, where Pontypridd played pre-season fixtures against Villarreal and Valencia. He got his first big break on television when he was signed up to appear in a variety show at Newcastles Palace Theatre in 1953. [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. Countdown Darling Des, you will be forever missed. Murray married Carly Paradis in 2012. On stage he starred at almost every leading venue throughout the world.. You may want to read Twitters cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. Rachel Riley told to 'stick to maths' after calling Johnny Depp a Marcel is survived by his beloved wife Jean.". Carol continued to appear on Countdown with hosts Des Lynam and Des OConnor, before leaving in 2008. Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. [12] The partnership increased the listener figures to a decade high of 5.5 million. Countdownwas him. "He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. [11] In October 2009 he published his first book, A Random History of Football, .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#3a3;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN978-1-4091-1290-7, through Orion Publishing, a compendium of random and relatively unknown stories about football. ', Anne-Marie Imafidon, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. In 1977, Des presented another show called Des OConnor tonight, which ran for five years. His comic mind was incomparable and his rants were exquisite. Call The Midwife star Stephen McGann tweeted: "Now Des O'Connor. Cookery's ultimate hellraiser dead at 46: British Masterchef host Jock Zonfrillo lost his virginity at 12, 'A waste of licence payers' money!' She is hoping to inspire children to aim as high as she and her siblings did. He loved being on stage entertaining a live audience. '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. 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. Countdown host Colin Murray has been confirmed as the new permanent presenter of Countdown. RIP Des - a privilege & a real pleasure to have known you. [7][14] He got five stars tattooed on his arm when Liverpool won the European Cup for the fifth time. Countdown presenters Rachel Riley and Carol Anne-Marie with Countdown host Anne Robinson (centre), and Susie Dent of 'Dictionary Corner'. Countdown's new host Colin Murray breaks silence after bagging Anne-Marie's sister Christiana, now 28, became a record-breaker when she studied at Durham University at 11. This time around hostsAnt McPartlinand Declan Donnelly will put the celebs through their paces as they battle not only for food, but for survival. Jason Manford, who was a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats from 2007 until 2010, said he had texted the comedian only a few weeks prior to his death. He was a joy to work with - he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Murray, a Liverpool fan, stated that he was concerned by the "inevitable closer association of the Station with the Sun newspaper". 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". He was thought to be making a healthy recovery at Leeds General Infirmary. Never took himself too seriously, which I always liked. She said Whiteley was a "favourite uncle" for the millions of viewers who tuned in to the Channel 4 show every day. During the early stages of his career, Des worked with some big names including Cilla Black, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey. He was one of Britains best-known TV presenters and graced our screens from 1963 until 2012. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with theMetro.co.ukentertainment team by emailing uscelebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. Richard Whiteley - Wikipedia He never disappointed. 'When we saw one of our children show interest towards music, for example, we allowed her to engage with it without age being a factor.'. Murray stated on his R5 show on 21 December 2020, following a reference to paganism, that he was an atheist. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Read about our approach to external linking. His singing career saw him sell 16 million records and spend 117 weeks in top 10 of the charts. Mon Jun 27 2005 - 01:00. 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. He was such a special comedian. Gyles Brandreth described Des O'Connor as the "ultimate professional".