Countdown for Carol

The countdown to find Carol Vorderman a new co-presenter for Channel 4s iconic word and numbers quiz show has begun.

15:28 27 August 2005

The countdown to find Carol Vorderman a new co-presenter for Channel 4s iconic word and numbers quiz show has begun.

Countdown producers are reportedly aware that they will need a "special person" to fill the shoes of popular presenter Richard Whiteley, who presented the show until his sudden death in June.

The programmes bosses have now whittled the choice for his replacement down to former Match of the Day presenter Des Lynam and comedian Paul Merton, the Daily Mirror reports.

The pair will reportedly face live auditions next week in a bid to decide who should take over the role of presenting the popular afternoon quiz.

"Who we go for will really depend on who comes across best in the try-outs next week. We think both would be popular with viewers," a Channel 4 insider told the Mirror.

"Des is an established favourite with housewives, who are obviously an important part of the daytime audience."

"Merton is one of the funniest men on television and would appeal to the show's huge student fan-base," the source added.

Countdowns producers are reportedly keen to get a new presenter in place so that the quiz show can return to our screens in October.