Des Lynam is set to leave 'Countdown' at the end of the year - what terrible news !!
It was always going to be difficult to replace Richard Whitely, but Des has done a fantastic job. He has built a great rapport with both Carol and Susy Dent and
indeed with all the contestants.
Apparently all the travelling up to Leeds has taken it's toll - I do feel that the Producers have been very short-sighted in failing to work out a deal that would enable him to stay.

Apparently they shoot 5 shows (a week's worth) all in one day so even though he's based down south (as indeed is Carol) it's not that much time taken up, is it?

Des is terrific; just as good as RW but different.
And ITK is right; a week's shows in a day; surely one trip up north and an overnight ain't that bad?
The pay is spectacular; when I was being considered to host The Price Is Right (along with Joe Brown and Leslie Crowther, who got it), much though I hated the idea, at