Aled in running to host 'Countdown' ?

xcept

There is a lot of speculation in the press today that Aled is in the running to front the CH4 show 'Countdown', after Des O'Connor steps down as the host of the popular daytime show at the end of the current series.

As much as I believe Aled would be excellent in the role and can see why his name is being linked, you have to ask "Wouldn't Aled require a 27 hour day to make time in his already hectic daily schedule to allow for the show?" Wink

xbons · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject:

Hi xcept - I saw that also.

I really can't see it. As you say, he is so tied up here, there and everywhere anyway, and is constantly on the road with his Welsh programmes, Songs of Praise, his own concerts etc etc. And Countdown is recorded in Leeds - xantha might enjoy him passing through the airport(!!) but how could he commit to that when he is based in London so much of the time and making regular trips to Cardiff in between?

I think we should allow him to refuse politely!!! Very Happy

(if he were indeed to be offered it, of course!)

xantha · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

You're quite right Xbons, Countdown is recorded in Leeds at Yorkshire TV. However, as much as I would love to see Aled present the show, I really don't know how he'd fit it in to his already hectic schedule.
I can see why he would be in the running though as he is an excellent presenter both on TV and radio and I'm sure he would make an superb host on Countdown. Smile

Dilog · Joined: Feb 19, 2006 Posts: 85

I seem to remember hearing that the Countdown series is recorded in about 3 weeks at a time - they record something like 5 shows a day.

Have to say I was really surprised that he was not involved in Last Choir Standing??

xbons · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject:

He was asked to chair "Last Choir Standing", Dilog, but had to say no. He is the busiest man I have ever met, and is, at the moment in Chitty in Cardiff of course, so it would not be possible.

To keep up with Good Morning Sunday means that he does 2 Chitties on the Saturday, leaves Cardiff when the evening performance finishes and goes to Manchester to be in the studio for 6.00 am Sunday morning. And he ALWAYS sounds so cheerful, so on top of everything - although he admitted to me yesterday that he can find Chitty quite exhausting at times. He is on the move the whole performance, if not dancing (eg Me Old Bamboo) then just moving actively around the stage - it is continuous. But at least he has lost some weight with it!

For example. Sunday 24th August he is singing in a concert in Lincoln with Hayley. So - matinee and evening performance Saturday, presumably to Manchester or London for GMS Sunday morning, then to Lincoln for the Sunday evening concert, then presumably back to London as he is sitting in for Terry Wogan on radio 2 bank holiday Monday morning, then back to Cardiff for the evening performance of Chitty!

Dilog · Joined: Feb 19, 2006 Posts: 85

Thanks XBons - that makes a lot more sense re LCS Smile

He really does push himself - but to be honest I have always believed in the Gary Player statement 'The more I practice the luckier I get' which comes down to the harder I work the luckier I get - hope Chitty goes really well for him. I was really disappointed I missed him in the panto in Richmond a couple of years ago - really spoilt it for me - booked it especially for my Mother who rather likes him Smile

xbons · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:37 pm Post subject:

I went to the panto also, Dilog, and really missed Aled. All through the panto I could see him in the part - he would have fitted it so well.

But it really was a nasty injury he had - as you probably know. Not only the Achilles heel but the DVT which developed, had him out of action for three months or more.

All seems to be well now - from the dancing he had to do at Chitty he must be well recovered!! Laughing

xbons

todd · Joined: Jan 17, 2006 Posts: 6

Just to let you know that Aled announced on GMS this morning, that he will not be chairing the Countdown programme. He received quite a few text messages about it, in fact so many, that he said if he received anymore he would Scream !!!!!!

Todd.

xbons · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting on my behalf, Todd.

I can't really imagine Aled screaming, but who knows?!

I thought it most unlikely, anyway, for the reasons given, and, of course, Countdown has nothing to do with music, which is Aled's field.

xbons