[Jon]

On paper Anne Robinson was never a good fit for the show and so proved to be the case.  It seems to be the case though with so many long running shows they have to get it so wrong before a year or so later bringing in the obvious replacement.

You stated that Anne Robinson was a bad choice, I’ll give you that. But I think a lot of people thought she’d actually be perfect for the role as long as she didn’t treat it like The Weakest Link. The trouble was I don’t think anyone took into account she wasn’t as a sharp as she used to be and the fact she did this weird hybrid of a normal person presenting and her Weakest Link persona. All that said it sounds like her interactions off screen and own lack of enthusiasm for the show are more likely to be the reasons she left. 

My point is I don’t think the producers were wrong to try Anne but it’s easy to say it was never going to work after that after the fact. It could have easily have turned out to be a genius signing had it worked.

[Gary Baldy]

On paper Anne Robinson was never a good fit for the show and so proved to be the case.  It seems to be the case though with so many long running shows they have to get it so wrong before a year or so later bringing in the obvious replacement.

Shame because Mastermind got their new host so right with Clive Myrie.

[Steve in Pudsey]

On paper Anne Robinson was never a good fit for the show and so proved to be the case.  It seems to be the case though with so many long running shows they have to get it so wrong before a year or so later bringing in the obvious replacement.

My point is I don’t think the producers were wrong to try Anne but it’s easy to say it was never going to work after that after the fact. It could have easily have turned out to be a genius signing had it worked.

That's what non broadcast pilots are for though?

[DE88]

Easy to say that Richard would still be hosting the 'Down if he were still with us.

As a proud Yorkshireman, however, he almost certainly wouldn't have been happy about the show being moved the other side of the Pennines. Whether or not he would have fought to keep it in Leeds is another matter, of course - and obviously we'll never know for sure how much he would have fought had he done so.

He probably didn't mind the temporary move to Newcastle, because (1) that was what it was, temporary - the show was always going to return to Leeds, and (2) he was familiar with City Road thanks to frequent appearances on Crosswits (and likewise Carol).

www.youtube.com 

(Tom was the guest for the first six 'Down eps at City Road too, which can't have been a coincidence.  )

[Yorksman]

The temporary move to Tyne Tees took place in 2001 with 29 episodes from Newcastle (also the last regular 9-round episodes) and was broadcast from August 1st 2001 to September 21st 2001.

[HarveyB]

The temporary move to Tyne Tees took place in 2001 with 29 episodes from Newcastle (also the last regular 9-round episodes) and was broadcast from August 1st 2001 to September 21st 2001.

There was also a temporary move to Granada in 2007 for around 10 shows while asbestos was being removed in Leeds

[Steve in Pudsey]

On paper Anne Robinson was never a good fit for the show and so proved to be the case.  It seems to be the case though with so many long running shows they have to get it so wrong before a year or so later bringing in the obvious replacement.

You stated that Anne Robinson was a bad choice, I’ll give you that. But I think a lot of people thought she’d actually be perfect for the role as long as she didn’t treat it like The Weakest Link. The trouble was I don’t think anyone took into account she wasn’t as a sharp as she used to be and the fact she did this weird hybrid of a normal person presenting and her Weakest Link persona. 

In fairness to Anne, she started during the era of strict social distancing so apparently only really saw Rachel and Susie on set, so there weren't the opportunities to build a relationship off-screen (green room, hospitality, socialising outside of work) that produces chemistry on-screen.

[Brekkie]

I really don't think covid can be blamed for that - she has the warmth of an ice cube. That was her reputation long before Countdown.

[Steve in Pudsey]

I don't know, the double act with Alice Beer on Watchdog seemed genuinely warm

[Kojak]

I think the issue with Anne Robinson was - and I know I’m going to sound like a certain sort of person here - it seemed like she was chosen for being a woman, rather than for her fitting the show. Colin Murray should be good, though, and at least he’ll (hopefully!) be in it for the long run. Though I still think Jonny Gould (baseball/Brainteaser) should have been given a go!