Clock stopped too soon for Whiteley, says Countdown co-star Vorderman.

CAROL VORDERMAN urged viewers to keep laughing at Richard Whiteley's jokes yesterday - as she introduced an unseen episode of Countdown.

Whiteley's co-star on the Channel 4 show said the clock 'stopped too soon' with her on-screen partner's death at 61.

Vorderman made the emotional introduction yesterday to one of five episodes of Countdown filmed before the star went into hospital and which had not yet been broadcast.

She told 'Countdowners' that: 'I know we're all in a state of shock about the very sad news about Richard. It's really odd to think that the man who's been here, the mayor in the chair for 23 years, won't be here anymore.' She said: 'We miss him and we know that you miss him because you've sent us lots and lots of messages, thousands of messages from around the world.

'We thank you for that. Please keep them coming - they mean a lot to his family and to us.'

She told Whiteley's legions of fans: '

Richard finished recording Countdown in the final of our 53rd series and there are still five shows with the boss in the chair that you haven't seen. We know he would want you to see them. In fact, he would be very upset if you didn't see them.

'Please enjoy them and please laugh at his jokes. Enjoy this Countdown week please. Remember him as we remember him. The clock stopped too soon.'

Whiteley, who was known for his dodgy jokes, had undergone a heart operation just days before his death at Leeds General Infirmary. Channel 4 will broadcast the remaining unseen episodes this week. On Friday, before the Grand Final for the 53rd series, it will air a documentary on Whiteley's life filmed last year

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Carol Vorderman in tribute to Richard Whiteley