Des Res

Now that that old charmer and word-muddler Des Lynam has quit Countdown, I feel I might be in with a chance of nabbing the gig.

Only a few months ago the producer phoned to ask me to do a turn on Dictionary Corner, and took the opportunity to bemoan Deslyxic, as he's known in the trade. "He'll be gone by Christmas," he predicted.

Still, at least Des'll now be able to stay up all night on Christmas Eve waiting for Satan to come down the chimney.