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Vorderman to clock off Countdown Vorderman to clock off Countdown
(9 minutes later)
Carol Vorderman is making her last appearance on Countdown, after 26 years working on the Channel 4 show.Carol Vorderman is making her last appearance on Countdown, after 26 years working on the Channel 4 show.
The 47-year-old has appeared on more than 4,500 editions of the popular words-and-numbers quiz.The 47-year-old has appeared on more than 4,500 editions of the popular words-and-numbers quiz.
She will be replaced by maths graduate Rachel Riley, 22, who fought off competition from more than 1,000 others to appear on the new series in January.She will be replaced by maths graduate Rachel Riley, 22, who fought off competition from more than 1,000 others to appear on the new series in January.
Vorderman's final show was preceded by a half-hour programme in which colleagues paid tribute to her work. Friday's programme is also the last time that Des O'Connor will host. He leaves after two years in charge.
She started as Countdown's maths "expert" who would check contestants' sums in the numbers rounds, but took on extra duties to become a sidekick to the late presenter Richard Whiteley. He took over the quiz in January 2007, having replaced Des Lynam, who stepped in following the death of original presenter Richard Whiteley.
VORDERMAN'S VITALS 1982 - First seen on Countdown4,500 - Number of editions in which she has appeared70,000 - Number of letters picked for contestants154 - Her IQ90% - The pay cut she was reportedly told to takeVORDERMAN'S VITALS 1982 - First seen on Countdown4,500 - Number of editions in which she has appeared70,000 - Number of letters picked for contestants154 - Her IQ90% - The pay cut she was reportedly told to take
The star announced in July she planned to step down from the show. There were reports she felt forced to leave after being told to take a 90% pay cut. O'Connor is being replaced by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.
The last show also marks the end of Des O'Connor's time in the host's chair. He is being replaced by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling. Vorderman began her last edition by saying she was surrounded by friends and relatives - a "proper Countdown family", as she put it.
O'Connor took over the quiz in January 2007, replacing Des Lynam, who stepped in following Whiteley's death. The show, which is the 59th final in Countdown's history, was preceded by a half-hour tribute to Vorderman, featuring her colleagues.
She started as Countdown's maths "expert" who would check contestants' sums in the numbers rounds, but took on extra duties to become Whiteley's sidekick.
The star announced in July she planned to step down from the programme. There were reports she felt forced to leave after being told to take a 90% pay cut.
Countdown was the first show to be broadcast on Channel 4 when the station launched in November 1982.Countdown was the first show to be broadcast on Channel 4 when the station launched in November 1982.