Alexander Armstrong takes Countdown Role
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
Arthur Armstrong is tipped to become the new presenter of Countdown, after reports that he has verbally accepted the job. The comedian and actor, best known for his Pimms adverts and his role in The Armstrong and Miller Show, is in the process of signing the papers. Clearly expecting written confirmation, Channel 4 has planned a celebratory dinner with Armstrong this week.
Countdown sources last night confirmed that Armstrong had been approached by Channel 4 asking him to be the quiz show’s new presenter, and that he had been “sifting through the contract”.
A friend of Armstrong said: “Alexander was delighted to be offered the job and can’t wait to get started. He is a big fan of the show wants to make his mark on it. The hope is he will bring in a whole new audience to the much-loved show.”
Assuming that Armstrong does accept the role, he will be the youngest presenter in the show’s 26-year history as Channel 4 seeks to capture a new, younger audience. His appointment will end months of speculation over who would replace Des O’Connor who, along with maths guru Carol Vorderman, quit the show earlier this year. Jeff Stelling, host of Sky Sport’s Soccer Saturday football results show, had also been linked with the role. Back in 2005, following the death of Richard Whiteley, Stelling had been considered for the job of presenter but Des Lynam was chosen instead. The search for a replacement for Carol Vorderman, who was controversially sacked from the programme over the summer, is still on.
A former chorister, Armstrong turned to comedy at University with the Cambridge Footlights Society where he met fellow comedian Ben Miller. Armstrong spent most of his early career doing stand-up with Miller in Notting Hill. In 2008 the pair appeared on the Paramount Comedy Channel with their sketch show Armstrong and Miller, before moving to Channel 4. In 2000 Armstrong went solo and appeared regularly on Have I Got News For You?. The comedy duo are now back on BBC1 for a new series of The Armstrong and Miller Show.
