Countdown's presenter Whiteley dead Jun 26 2005
Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley has died, Carol Vorderman's agent has said.
Whiteley, 61, presented the afternoon quiz show for 23 years without missing an episode until last month when he was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Known for his colourful jackets, he was the first face on screen when Channel 4 went on air in 1982.
Whiteley was said to be the most-seen face on British television after the test card girl Carole Hersee.
The straight-talking Yorkshireman was instantly recognisable by his loud ties and stripy jackets.
Richard Whiteley presented Countdown with maths boffin Carol Vorderman and a popular feature of the show was his frequent anecdotes and bad puns.
He did not miss an episode for 23 years until May when he was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with pneumonia.
His long-term partner Kathryn Apanowicz also led a TV career with a part in the BBC soap Angels before appearing in Eastenders and Emmerdale in the 80s.
Before Countdown fame Richard Whiteley, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, had enjoyed a long and distinguished career in local television.
***********
A sad loss to British TV.:(
