'Countdown's iconic presenter Richard Whiteley has died just days after undergoing heart surgery.
The 61-year-old, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, was thought to be on the road to recovery after suffering for some time with pneumonia. He had undergone a heart operation two days ago at Leeds General Infirmary and was said to be doing well.
His Channel 4 'Countdown' co-presenter Carol Vorderman, who presented the hit quiz with him for 23 years, was absolutely devastated by his death.
Whiteley, known for his loud ties and stripy jackets, became an afternoon television icon, while maths boffin Vorderman groaned on cue to his dreadful jokes.
Whiteley had presented 'Countdown' since the quiz was the first aired on Channel 4 when the station was launched 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. Whiteley never missed an episode in 23 years until he fell ill from pneumonia in May this year.
Whiteley leaves behind his partner of 11 years, Kathryn Apanowicz, who shot to fame on 'EastEnders' in the 1980s.
