News about Des Lynam

ED CHAMBERLIN: Are you worried? Usually at this time of year, my friends are keen to know how excited they are getting, but the tone of their query has changed as the Randox Grand National National National National National National National National National National National National peaks. Our greatest race has been scrutinized like never before and after the events of 12 months ago, when demonstrators, those with only a passing interest in racing, are concerned about what will be in store in Aintree seven days from now. To be honest, as I've told my colleagues, I am not concerned in the slightest. I can't wait to be back in Liverpool, and there is no other day in the year when my heart leaps out of my chest with nerves and anticipation before going on air on ITV. The Grand National is a part of our fabric.

EXCLUSIVE: The BBC is expected to keep Match of the Day broadcasting for four years from 2025, with terrestrial rivals struggling to apply for the Premier League's highlights package. According to ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, the Premier League's tender released last month is not financially viable for them due to declining viewer numbers and a difficult advertising market.

ED CHAMBERLAIN: The time and date are ingrained in my mind, as well as the words that came into my ears. On Saturday, April 15th, 2004, ITV's legendary director, Paul McNamara, announced a storm. He said, 'Ed,' he said.' This is no longer about sport; this is news.' He was correct. Protesters from Animal Rising were holding the Randox Grand National indefinitely. The situation was chaotic, but at the time I considered my hero, Des Lynam, and knew that I had to remain calm in the midst of horseracing under attack. I was worried that this year would be a year in which orange paint or orange dust would ruin the sport that provides livelihoods and enjoyment to millions of people. Following Aintree, there were incidents at Ayr, for the Scottish Grand National National National Agricultural Festival, and Epsom on Derby Day. Horseracing will always be dangerous, but it is vital to keep correcting myths and misinformation: 98% of horses return home safely after racing, and they are given unconditional love and support from those attached to them that can't be explained in terms.

DOMINIC KING AT AINTREE: Before we get to Ruby Walsh and his gizmos and Sir Anthony McCoy's sweets, the first place to start is with the anchor man. Ed Chamberlin's yearly pilgrimage to Aintree and Seagram's Grand National victory in 1991 is ingrained in his heart because he wondered if he'd get his face on television as his idol, Des Lynam, presented Grandstand's coverage. So he's smiling in the scene that will launch ITV's coverage this year. Chamberlin wishes to stroll through the crowd and share his opening thoughts while admiring the paddock's state-of-the-art wire camera.

Susie Dent (pictured) says she appears to be asexual and invisible at the age of 57. Paul Atkins, a schoolteacher, and the English author, split last year. She says that dating is not on her radar at the moment and doesn't feel pressure

On Thursday's episode of the famous Channel 4 quiz, Tom Stevenson, a third-year English, media, and culture undergraduate at the University of Worcestershire, scored 154 points, two points higher than the previous highest score. The 21-year-old told The Sunday Times that he wanted to attend the competition because he didn't want disappointing A-level results to 'define him.' (Pictured: Tom Stevenson on Countdown after recording the show's highest ever score)

Sue Barker and Cliff Richard (pictured left and right) were in a relationship for only a short period of time in the 1980s, but their fling is now being discussed 40 years later. Although they were seen celebrating in public (right), Cliff decided they were unlikely to marry, even though he said he adored being with her.' The Press picked up on it as they began spending more time together, but Sue Barker drew the news. Although she had worked with Greg Norman in the 1970s, she had never experienced Cliff's media hysteria.

After a brief appearance on the teatime quiz show, Murray, 45, has been named as the new permanent host of Countdown. In a Mayan interview with The Times, the Northern Irish broadcaster has already announced himself in Susie Dent's 'inner circle,' including a month after making a homophobic remark about Clare Balding. (Pictured from left: Colin Murray at the V Festival in 2004, he is presenting Countdown this summer. Inset: with Noel Gallagher in 2006)

Match of the Day started last night with last week's Premier League results, as if to put critics' noses in the mud. 'Just in case you couldn't find the scores anywhere else this week,' a grinning Lineker smirked.'