Late Countdown host Richard Whiteleys former partner has leaped to the defence of the shows star Carol Vorderman.

The maths genius is allegedly quitting the programme following reports bosses want to cut her salary by 90 per cent, reports the BBC.

However, Kathryn Apanowicz is adamant the loss will be a huge blow to the popular words and numbers game.

She also dismisses speculation Vordermans departure had anything to do with greed, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "She did not ask for half a million pounds. She did not ask for more money. It is an absolute untruth."

Marcel Stellman, who owns the rights to the teatime show, has also voiced his discontent, telling the Daily Mirror: "If I am Mr Countdown, she is Mrs Countdown. To discuss her in they way they (bosses) do makes me speechless."

Most bookies and media outlets are predicting former pop star Myleene Klass will be stepping into Vordermans shoes.

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