Countdownpresenter and British television icon Richard Whiteley has died.
The 61-year-old, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, died yesterday, days after undergoing heart surgery. He was thought to be making a healthy recovery at Leeds General Infirmary.
The presenter of Channel 4's Countdownwas considered Britain's best loved nerd, and relatives and friends were shocked last night when they learned he had died.
Countdownco-presenter Carol Vorderman, who joined on the popular teatime game show for all its 23 years, was "absolutely devastated".
Vorderman said of the man she partnered on screen for 23 years: "I adored him and I always will." She said Whiteley was a "favourite uncle" for the millions of viewers who tuned in to the Channel 4 show every day.
In a statement, she said: "We have had thousands of messages from our Countdownfamily. We have even had a message saying Mass is being said for him in Ireland today.
"He was loved by millions as every day he filled the screen and made us laugh. Every time we were in studio he made us roll around with laughter. The Countdowncrew loved him, the contestants loved him, the viewers loved him and I loved him," she said.
"He never let us down. He never disappointed. He loved Countdown. He was Countdownand Countdownwas him. I'm privileged to have known him, to have been so close to him and to have been supported and loved by him. I adored him and I always will."
He leaves behind his partner of 11 years, Kathryn Apanowicz, who shot to fame on EastEnders in the 1980s.
Whitely never missed an episode in 23 years until he fell ill from pneumonia in May this year.
Known for his loud ties and stripy jackets, Whitely became an afternoon television icon, while maths boffin Vorderman groaned on cue to his dreadful jokes.
Countdownwas first aired on Channel 4 when the station was began broadcasting in 1982. The show was originally supposed to run for five weeks, but now has regular viewing figures of four million and enjoys cult status.
Channel 4 issued a statement expressing their sympathy.
Whitely had appeared on screen for the past few weeks as the shows were pre-recorded, and this coming week was to have been the last to feature the presenter.
PA