C4 are circulating a Des O’Connor interview to promote his turn in the Countdown chair. Here’s the relevant bit…

YOU’RE JUST ABOUT TO START SHOOTING COUNTDOWN. ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT IT? 

Yes I am. A challenge is a challenge and this is something really different for me. It’s got a really different flavour to it. It’s not a quiz or a game show, it’s more like a parlour game and it’s very laid back, very relaxed, great fun. I’m excited to be part of a show that’s been running nearly 25 years. I went to do some run-throughs a couple of weeks ago, and it was just so much fun. We never stopped giggling. That’s what I love to do. I haven’t done a day’s work since I came into show business – I’ve done a lot of days’ effort, but not work. It’s too enjoyable to call work. 

HAVE YOU BEEN A FAN OF THE SHOW OVER THE YEARS? 

Oh yeah, I’ve watched it many, many times. I’m not very good with the maths but I’m quite good with the words. But Carol is just extraordinary. I don’t know if she’s got a computer in her head – I watched her do the numbers, quite often in a matter of seconds. 

HAD YOU MET HER BEFORE YOU WENT UP FOR THE RUN-THROUGHS? 

Oh yeah, she’s been a guest on Des O’Connor two or three times, she’s done Des & Mel two or three times. I’ve always found her very relaxed, a lot of fun, not afraid to chip away at herself a little bit. She’s lovely. I’m very fortunate to be working with someone who’s got a great sense of fun. 

ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF STEPPING INTO THE SHOES OF TWO VERY DISTINGUISHED HOSTS OF COUNTDOWN? 

Obviously I’m aware of it. But I can’t afford to look back too much at what’s gone on before. I very much respect both gentlemen. Des Lynam really knows his television, he’s an absolute pro. I’ve met him two or three times – funnily enough, twice at airports – absolutely charming guy. And Richard was great, I had a lot of time for him. He was very warm, really his warmth was his talent. He had real charm, a sweet gentleman. 

YOU BECAME A FATHER AGAIN AT THE AGE OF 72. WILL YOU BE ENCOURAGING YOUR SON TO TUNE IN TOCOUNTDOWN TO HELP HIM LEARN TO READ? 

God, if he starts rattling off nine-letter words that have been mixed up he’ll run the country! But I think if you start pushing kids too hard it’s not good. The programme is watched by everyone from students through to senior citizens, but I think it might be a bit much for a two-year-old. I’ll kick a ball around the garden with him, but I won’t be throwing nine-letter words at him just yet. 

- A NEW ERA OF COUNTDOWN, WITH DES O’CONNOR AT THE HELM, BEGINS ON 2 JANUARY AT 3:30PM.