Richard Whiteley

John Richard Whiteley, OBE , DL (28 December 1943 – 26 June 2005) was a British television presenter and journalist. He was most famous for his 23-year stint as presenter of Countdown, a letters and numbers arrangement game show broadcast daily on Channel 4. An edition of Countdown was the launch programme for Channel 4 at 4:45pm on 2 November 1982, and Whiteley was the first person to be seen on the channel. His trademarks were his jolly, avuncular manner; his gift for bad puns; and bold wardrobe (particularly jackets and ties).

Private life

Whiteley was married in 1971, but divorced after 18 months. He had a relationship with TV presenter Lesley Ebbetts, becoming a father in 1987. In later years, Whiteley's romantic partner was Kathryn Apanowicz, an actress and radio presenter. His sister, Helen, died of cancer in 1998.

Related Topics:
Lesley Ebbetts - Kathryn Apanowicz

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Whiteley died on 26 June 2005 at Leeds General Infirmary shortly after an operation to combat an infection in a heart valve following a serious case of pneumonia. He had suffered with asthma since he was very young, and was diabetic, leaving him particularly vulnerable to chest infections. The edition of Countdown due to be broadcast on 27 June was postponed as a mark of respect. Carol Vorderman, his co-presenter, gave an emotional tribute to him on 28 June, when Countdown returned after the postponed episode on the previous day. Having recorded a number of shows in advance of going into hospital, his final show was broadcast on July 1 2005 which was the grand final of the 53rd season. Two standalone episodes featuring former contestants, and recorded in 2003 to be broadcast whenever Channel 4's cricket coverage finished early, also remain in the vaults to be screened at a later date.

Related Topics:
26 June - 2005 - Heart valve - Pneumonia - Asthma - Diabetic - Chest infection - 27 June - 28 June - July 1 - 2003 - Cricket

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