No more Countdown for me.

I am not a regular viewer of Countdown, although it featured in a few lockdown, wet afternoons. Nick Hewer was good, intelligent, polite, but I haven't watched it yet with Anne Robinson. I disliked her on 15 to 1 as I really do not find programmes which put down and humiliate people, entertaining. For the same reason I dislike The Apprentice. I am not sure I could take too much of Gyles Brandreth though. Now, if they recruited Tom Hardy.........

baubles

Something for all the Gyles Brandreth fans.

play.acast.com/s/somethingrhymeswithpurple

Baubles, thanks so much for the link to this podcast. Have listened to the 2 most recent ones but will listen to the rest when time allows. They are perfect for all those who look in Pedants' Corner, but interesting and funny for all.

Just a thought; Wonder if Anne Robinson is on GN!

Ann Robinson's acerbic and confrontational style worked well on weakest link and that consumer programme she used to front.

But Countdown is a gentle, comfortable afternoon programme and I'm surprised she was offered it. I actually think Joanna Lumley would be a good job. She's intelligent, warm, polite and no one seems to have a bad word to say about her.

I watched yesterday for the first time with AR as host. She is very uncomfortable in the roll and as an experienced presenter she shouldn’t be. Colin was a natural and Giles B would be an excellent choice. Sorry, Anne but you are not a good fit for Countdown and whoever gave you the job needs to think again.

I actually dozed of watching Countdown yesterday ! The stilted “chats” are so embarrassing! Spoils my afternoons ?

Dh and i have watched countdown for years,not any more.
We watched it yesterday and Anne R was awfull,it was like watching a robot.
Sorry but never again,Giles Brandreth or Colin Murrey would be perfect.i think James Gorden would be fun too.
So until she is replaced it`s a big fat no from us.

I was surprised that she landed this job, I am not a fan of her at all.

Something for all the Gyles Brandreth fans.

play.acast.com/s/somethingrhymeswithpurple

NanKate: Happy to help ?

I agree, granfromafar. Yesterday, she seemed less acerbic so I guess someone has had a word. However, I shall never really like her as the presenter whereas others, such as Colin Murray, would have been ideal. Yes, I like Jeff Stelling, too.

You’ve given me the best laugh of the week granfromafar ?

Well I never thought I'd say this but I'm gradually warming to AR. Thought the first week was cringe-worthy with the mis-timed chat and awful remarks but she seems to be settling in. I love the format of the programme and will always watch, whoever the presenter is. Wasn't over -keen on Nick Hewer, but after his famous line to Rachel of 'You must be gagging for a hard one' which will go down in Countdown history, I accepted him. No-one will ever match Richard Whiteley, though I also liked Jeff Stelling and Colin Murray.
Enjoyed Grace Dent this week, she had some great retorts for Anne Robinson.

Anne Robinson has cultivated a nasty TV persona. I have no idea whether she is actually like that but it is her trademark, and it is a great turnoff for the viewers of afternoon quiz shows like countdown.

She specialises in embarrassing people, ridiculing people and making them feel small, a bit like Sarah Vine in the Daily Mail.

The retired folk who settle down with a nice cup of tea in in the afternoon to watch Countdown do not want to see a nasty woman being nasty to the nice contestants.

I've always loved Countdown, it's a good brain sharpener and the presenters over the years have been a delight. I couldn't believe it when Anne Robinson was announced as the latest presenter, she is so totally wrong for the role. I watched one episode, but it was cringe-worthy so no more for me until she is gone.

Agree with others, Gyles Brandreth or Colin Murray would be great.

I have rung and emailed Channel 4. I do hope others complain.

Watching today but AR's silly mistimed chatting is embarrassing. I don't think I can keep watching. My favourite programme ruined. I think I'll have to complain.

JaneJudge

I've even been sad enough to take a photo of my television for you all

I don’t watch Countdown. I would never have recognised Anne Robinson from that photo.

I can only echo what others are saying. Countdown is an afternoon ‘wind down’for me (if I’m at home), but it’s completely ruined by AR.

Whilst her role on Weakest Link was to ‘goad’ the contestants to vote off the WL - she has absolutely no empathy with the contestants on Countdown at all. I won’t comment on her physical appearance or speech - neither of which appear a good recommendation for her Surgeon or Dentist!

Another vote for Giles, or bring back Colin - he was great.

True!

joannapiano

DH and I thought AR had mellowed a tiny bit this afternoon. Perhaps someone had a word in her ear.

it's because she knew I was taking photographs of her

DH and I thought AR had mellowed a tiny bit this afternoon. Perhaps someone had a word in her ear.

Another vote here for Colin Murray who can engage meaningfully with the contestants and has a genuine love of words, besides being quick with numbers, too. He is delightfully warm and entertaining, in complete contrast to AR!!

I think its okay to comment on clothes. Even my husband (who notices little about clothes) said, What in earth is she wearing. It looks like part of it is missing.

Jane you are hilarious! ?

Susan Calman is fab, watching her series around seaside towns, she is a tonic, funny empathic, thoughtful and can laugh at herself. Also watched her travels around the Uk in her campervan named after her favourite actress, Helen Mirren, a hoot. Well that’s how she comes across to me.
Whatever AR looks like, I find other women deriding her not so funny.