Des O�Connor has been named as Des Lynam�s replacement of the Channel 4 show �Countdown�.

The 74 year old crooner won the approval of producers; he is scheduled for a screen test next week and it is hoped he will film his first show�s before the year is out.

Lynam replaced the late, great Richard Whitely on the show after he died suddenly last year; he quit earlier this month blaming the distance from London to Leeds on her decision.

An insider told the Sun: �We looked long and hard for someone who could match Des Lynam�s cool delivery and swarthy charm and Des O�Connor was the clear choice.

�We�re taking him up North next week to make sure he�s comfortable doing the show - but we doubt he�ll have any problems.�

Hopefully this latest presenter will stay the distance�