Don't blame her - the magic of Countdown died with the man himself.

Are you a number cruncher who loves Countdown? We might just have the job for you…

Channel 4 and producers of Countdown are launching a search to find a new Arithmetician who will replace Carol Vorderman when she leaves the programme at the end of this year.

Applications are open to all, both male and female candidates, but applicants will be expected to have excellent numeric and literacy skills. Previous television experience is not necessary although the charm and charisma to appeal to viewers is. Short-listed applicants will then be invited to attend auditions with Countdown producers.

The closing date to apply for the position is Friday 19 September 2008. The new Countdown recruit will be seen on screen for the new series in January 2009.

Helen Warner, Head of Daytime at Channel 4 said: "We realise that Carol's shoes are extremely difficult ones to fill, as she has done such an amazing job on Countdown over the past 25 years. However, just as we found Carol through an ad in a local paper, we really hope we can do the same again and find another outstanding mathematical mastermind. We know many Countdown viewers have great heads for numbers, so we are looking forward to seeing how talented they really are!"

The search to find a new arithmetician will be to find a replacement for Carol Vorderman only. A replacement for Des O'Connor, as the main anchor of the programme, will be announced in due course.