For almost 50 years BBC’s Grandstand show defined Saturday afternoons in the UK and it came to do something similar here in Ireland for many of us once the signal for the British channels began to be picked up beyond the east coast.

With his family’s staunch republican background and his posh “West Brit” like tones that have proven a hit with BBC listeners, Ryan Tubridy is in many ways the perfect choice for chronicling the lives of Irish people who have made it big in Britain.

Liam Mackey reflects on the twentieth anniversary of the infamous Grand National that got left at the start.

'Countdown' presenter Jeff Stelling is to leave the Channel 4 show after less than three years.

AFTER 26 years, more than 4,500 shows and countless vowels and consonants, Carol Vorderman finally hung up her chunky black marker and left Countdown.

After 26 years, more than 4,500 shows and countless vowels and consonants, Carol Vorderman is finally hanging up her chunky black marker and leaving 'Countdown' today.

Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling was unveiled today as the new host of much-loved quiz show Countdown.

Carol Vorderman was going out on a high after she and Countdown co-host Des O’Connor recorded their final, emotional programme today.

Carol Vorderman is to step down from her role in the long-running Channel 4 gameshow Countdown, her manager said tonight.

Des Lynam is returning to the BBC as host of a new sporting quiz.

CLARE-BORN broadcaster Des Lynam joined pop princess Kylie Minogue, veteran chat show host Michael Parkinson and actress Julie Walters on Queen Elizabeth’s new year’s honours list published yesterday.

Alex Ferguson is convinced Roy Keane has what it takes to be a top class manager.

Veteran broadcaster Des Lynam is returning to his Irish roots as the anchor of a new soccer show on the home-grown Setanta Sports network.

Des Lynam announced today he is to quit the Channel 4 show Countdown after 18 months.

Des Lynam has proved a hit with Countdown viewers.

DES LYNAM confessed to being “a little bit nervous” when he hosted his first episode of Countdown yesterday.

Football star Paul Gascoigne made an emotional appearance at the British Book Awards as his autobiography won a top literary prize.

Marks and Spencer is using a celebrity-packed advertising campaign to help boost sales this Christmas, it announced today.

Bobby Robson today countered claims of indiscipline at St James’ Park as he revealed how being sacked by Newcastle left him “bewildered”.

PETER KENYON does not expect David Beckham’s name to be given more than a fleeting mention when he meets Alex Ferguson to discuss Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy.

Pop Idol Will Young and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton won £8,000 (€12,843) for charity in a Christmas Day celebrity edition of the UK version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?.

Pop Idol Will Young has teamed up with former Baby Spice Emma Bunton – as contestants on Britain's Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

Des Lynam is in talks to sign a new contract with ITV to present The Premiership, ending speculation he is about to retire.

Suave football presenter Des Lynam turned heads today after dyeing his trademark moustache purple.

IT WAS yet another sickening sight in football's seemingly endless portfolio of shame. No, not the elbow which felled Sunderland's Jason McAteer.

IT WAS yet another sickening sight in football's seemingly endless portfolio of shame. No, not the elbow which felled Sunderland's Jason McAteer.

TV sport veteran Bob Wilson is to retire at the end of the month after eight years with ITV, he announced today.

Stars from the world of showbusiness and football turned out in force today for a glittering pre-World Cup party hosted by Victoria and David Beckham.

More than two thirds of people want Des Lynam to shave off his trademark moustache for charity, according to a poll.

Des Lynam admits he is getting "a bit crinkly".

The BBC has scored the opening goal over ITV in the battle for TV audiences during this summer's football World Cup.

Supermodel Helena Christensen has traded in the catwalk for Walkers crisps as she teams up with former England star Gary Lineker in a new advertising campaign for the famous snacks.

ITV will move their Premiership highlights programme ‘The Premiership’ to a new 10.30pm time slot from November 17.

ITV ended months of speculation today by announcing a 7pm slot for its new Premiership highlights show in a move which will kick Saturday night viewing into a new era.