New Countdown host Nick Hewer helps ratings rocket – Daily TV round-up

'Countdown's ratings have soared since new host Nick Hewer has taken over the show, according to reports.

It's thought that Hewer's unexpected 'sex symbol' status is one cause of the hike in viewers.

The show's ratings had dropped as low as 340,000 under the previous presenter, Sky Sports man Jeff Stelling.

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But now the Channel 4 show is seeing audiences of up to 833,000 since Hewer began hosting at the beginning of the year.

Hewer, who first came to viewers’ attention as Alan Sugar’s sidekick on ‘The Apprentice, has laughed off his image as a sex symbol.

“Have I attracted a female following? Well, I certainly hope so – but I would react with astonishment to being told I was a sex symbol!” he said.

[See also: Why people still watch television live]

“I’m nearly 68 for God’s sake. I know I have been called a Silver Fox. But I don‘t precisely know what one is.” [The Mirror]

Also in today's press

'Only Fools and Horses' is to be remade in the US, according to reports. The ABC network has commissioned the project, with the writers of hospital comedy 'Scrubs' set to pen a pilot script. [The Sun]

'The Bill' star Colin Tarrant has died at the age of 59, it has emerged. The actor, who played Inspector Andrew Monroe in the show, was found dead in his home in Bristol after what is being reported as a suspected suicide. [Digital Spy]

90’s morning show 'The Big Breakfast' is set for a comeback. TV producers have been given permission to use the old Big Breakfast house in east London near the new 2012 Olympic site. It's thought the show, which hopes to lure viewers from the ailing 'Daybreak', could come back on either Channel 4 or Channel 5.