Des to quit countdown

Last Modified: 24 Jul 2008
Source: ITN

Des O'Connor's days as the host of Countdown are numbered after announcing he's quitting the show in November.

The 76-year-old, who replaced Des Lynam as the anchor, who stepped in following the death of Richard Whiteley, said he had no plans to retire as long as the public still wanted him.

O'Connor said of his time on the show: "It's been wonderful hosting a programme which is part of TV folklore.

"I have really enjoyed my two years with the show and I would like to thank all concerned at Channel 4. I've made a lot of new friends. Carol Vorderman has been a joy... it's been a giggle since day one.

"But I miss the thrill of stepping out on a live stage for the one-man concerts and the challenge of live TV entertainment-based shows."

The veteran entertainer is currently working on his 36th album and also revealed he is in talks about a role in a major West End stage production, but kept tight-lipped about further details, only saying: "It's something I've been keen to do."

O'Connor said he had also been penning children's stories and poems, as his three-year-old son Adam asked his father to tell him tales.

O'Connor was recently awarded the CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting.

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