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Countdown is a British game show involving word and mathematical tasks that began airing in November 1982. It is broadcast on Channel 4 and is currently presented by Colin Murray, assisted by Rachel Riley with lexicographer Susie Dent. It was the first programme to be broadcast on Channel 4 and 90 series have been broadcast since its debut on 2 ...
- When Did Countdown Start?
- Richard Whiteley
- Des Lynam
- Des O’Connor
- Jeff Stelling
- Nick Hewer
- Anne Robinson
- Colin Murray
- Les Dennis
The show was the first programme ever to be screened on Channel 4, launching the station on November 2, 1982, at 4.45pm. That makes the hit series 40 years old. Although the presenters and experts might have changed over the years, the format of the show has remained the same. Contestants have to compete against each other in a series of letters ro...
The original and longest-running host of the show, Whiteley left after falling ill with septicaemia in 2005 – and died in June of that year following surgery for a heart problem.
Sports presenter Des took over the show after Whiteley’s death, but only stayed for a year before departing at Christmas 2006.
Another Des – this time veteran entertainer Des O’Connor – took over where Lynam had left off, spending almost two years at the helm before he left at the end of 2008.
Jeff is better known for his work on Sky Sports as host of Gillette Soccer Saturday – but he took time away from the football to present Countdown until 2011.
Lord Sugar’s former right-hand man on The Apprentice took on the role in 2012 and went on to become the longest-serving Countdown presenter since Richard Whiteley. He announced he was leaving in December of 2019, and his last episode was broadcast on Friday June 25 2020.
Anne Robinson is probably best known for hosting BBC game show The Weakest Link, which ran from 2000 to 2012 – and her acerbic wit. Speaking about her appointment, she said ‘the show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. I am particularly excited to be working alongside the Show’s two other formidable women.’ ‘Worryingly, Susie Dent and Ra...
Colin Murray began filming his stint as temporary host in May 2022, announcing his first show would air in mid-July. He confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he would be at the helm until November. ‘I’m like the assistant manager, given the job until end of season,’ he explained. ‘Earn respect of dressing room (@susie_dent @RachelRileyRR), get some...
Actor and comedian Les Dennis has alsobeen announced as a guest host in the wake of Anne Robinson’s departure – and he’ll be taking the hotseat in August. Les shared the exciting news on social media and enthused: ‘I shall be hosting the iconic Countdown. ‘It is such an honour. Hope you enjoy.’ It looks as though Les’ tenure on the show will be sho...
- Sophie Dickinson
Countdown was the first programme ever broadcast on Channel 4, and Richard Whiteley was the first face to be seen. Richard's first words at the start of the very first episode of Countdown were: "Hello, hello - good evening and as the countdown to a brand new channel ends, a brand new Countdown begins.''.
It was the first ever program to be aired on Channel 4, on the 2 November 1982. Countdown is one of the longest-running game shows in the world, with over 7,000 episodes. Countdown was initially recorded at The Leeds Studios, later moving to the Manchester-based Granada Studios in 2009.
The History of Countdown: From Day One to Today • Countdown: Then & Now • Discover the origins and enduring appeal of 'Countdown', the iconic British game sh...
6 days ago · 'Countdown' has been a daytime staple since original host Richard Whiteley uttered the first words on Channel 4 in 1982: 'As the countdown to a brand new channel ends, a brand new Countdown...
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Countdown was initially recorded at The Leeds Studios for 27 years, before moving to Manchester-based Granada Studios in 2009. Following the development of MediaCityUK, Countdown moved again in 2013 to the new purpose-built studios at Dock10, Greater Manchester.
