Richard Whiteley, precisely 5ft 8 ½ (174 cm) tall, was the iconic English TV presenter whose approachable stature enhanced his affable, everyman image on screen.
Best known for hosting Channel 4's Countdown for 23 years, Whiteley's 5ft 8 height suited his role perfectly, standing commandingly yet relatably at the dictionary corner desk during over 10,000 appearances—more than any other living person at the time.
His career highlights included presenting Yorkshire's Calendar and various projects, with his exact 174 cm frame contributing to his enduring popularity as a beloved British television staple until his death in 2005.