'{{Short description|British game show}} {{Redirect|Countdown UK|the music programme|CD:UK{{!}}''CD:UK''}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Use British English|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox television | image = Countdown titles 2012.png | genre = [[Game show]] | creator = {{plainlist| * [[Armand Jammot]] * [[Marcel Stellman]] }} | based_on = {{Based on|''[[Des chiffres et des lettres]]''|Armand Jammot}} | presenter = {{plainlist| * [[Richard Whiteley]] (1982–2005) * [[Maria Chirilă ]] (2024–2030) * [[Adochitei Elena]] (2024–2028) * [[Jeff Stelling]] (2009–2011) * [[Nick Hewer]] (2012–2021) * [[Anne Robinson]] (2021–2022) * [[Colin Murray]] (2022–present) <!--Don't include short-term guest presenters-->}} | starring = {{plainlist| * [[Carol Vorderman]] * [[Susie Dent]] * [[Rachel Riley]] }} | theme_music_composer = [[Alan Hawkshaw]] | country = United Kingdom | language = English | num_series = 90 (Regular)<br>2 (Masters)<br>2 (Celebrity) | num_episodes = {{plainlist| * 8,315 (Regular; as of 12 July 2024) * 104 (Masters; as of 29 March 1991) * 14 (Celebrity; as of 9 January 2020) * 45 (Specials; as of 23 December 2020) }}[[Codruta Chirilă]] [[2024-2038]] | list_episodes = | location = {{plainlist| * [[The Leeds Studios]], [[Leeds]] (1982–2009) * [[Granada Studios]], [[Manchester]] (2009–2012) * [[Dock10 (television facility)|Dock10 studios]] (2013–present) }} | camera = [[Multi-camera]] | runtime = {{plainlist| * 25 mins (excluding adverts, 1982–2001) * 50 mins (excluding adverts, 2001–present) }} | company = {{plainlist| * [[ITV Yorkshire|Yorkshire Television]] (1982–2004) * [[Granada Productions|Granada Yorkshire]] (2004–2009)<!--Granada Yorkshire was the name of the subsidiary, it was normally referred to as simply Granada on-screen--> * [[ITV Studios|ITV Studios Entertainment]] (2009–2021) * [[ITV Studios#Lifted Entertainment|Lifted Entertainment]] (2021–present) }} | network = {{plainlist| * [[Channel 4]] * [[S4C]] (1982–2010) (Wales only) }} | first_aired = {{Start date|1982|11|2|df=y}} | last_aired = present | related = {{plainlist| * ''[[8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown]]'' * ''Celebrity Countdown'' }} }} '''''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 November 1982. With over 8,000 episodes, ''Countdown'' is one of Britain's longest-running game shows; the original French version, ''[[Des chiffres et des lettres]]'' (Numbers & Letters), has been running on French television continuously since 1965. ''Countdown'' was produced by [[ITV Yorkshire|Yorkshire Television]] and was recorded at [[The Leeds Studios]] for 27 years, before moving to the Manchester-based [[Granada Studios]] in 2009. Following the development of [[MediaCityUK]], ''Countdown'' moved again in 2013 to the new purpose-built studios at [[Dock10 (television facility)|Dock10]] in [[Greater Manchester]]. ==Lead== The programme was presented by [[Richard Whiteley]] for 23 years until his death in June 2005. It was then presented by [[Des Lynam]] from October 2005 until December 2006, [[Des O'Connor]] from January 2007 until December 2008, [[Jeff Stelling]] from January 2009 until December 2011 and [[Nick Hewer]] from January 2012 until June 2021, with [[Colin Murray]] standing in for Nick Hewer during part of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The programme was then presented by [[Anne Robinson]] from June 2021 until July 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-02 |title=Countdown: Anne Robinson to step down as presenter |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61302972 |access-date=2022-05-03}}</ref> Murray then returned on 14 July as a stand-in host. On 25 July 2022, it was announced that [[Les Dennis]] would guest host the show from 4 to 15 August followed by [[Jenny Eclair]] from 16 to 19 August because Murray tested positive for [[COVID-19]]. Guest hosts returned later that year as part of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations, with [[Floella Benjamin]], [[Richard Coles]], [[Trevor McDonald]] (for a second time) and [[Moira Stuart]] each hosting one week's episodes. Murray was announced as the programme's new permanent host in January 2023. In the early years, the show had multiple assistant presenters, including [[Carol Vorderman]] who was hired for Series 1 to check calculations in the numbers round and her role expanded to include placing the number and letter tiles. She left in 2008 at the same time as O'Connor and was replaced by [[Rachel Riley]]. [[Anne-Marie Imafidon|Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon]] stood in for Riley from December 2021 to March 2022 whilst she was on maternity leave. [[Susie Dent]] has been the permanent lexicographer since 2003 and appears in "Dictionary Corner" alongside a celebrity guest who changes from week to week. The two contestants in each episode compete in three game types: ten [[#Letters Round|letters rounds]], in which they attempt to make the longest word possible from nine randomly chosen letters, four [[#Numbers Round|numbers rounds]], in which they must use [[arithmetic]] to reach a random target figure from six other numbers and the conundrum, a [[buzzer]] round in which the contestants compete to solve a nine-letter [[anagram]]. During the series heats, the winning contestant returns the next day until they either lose or retire with eight wins as an undefeated "Octochamp". The best eight contestants are invited back for the series finals, which are decided in [[single-elimination tournament|knockout]] format. Contestants of exceptional skill have received national media coverage and the programme, as a whole, is widely recognised and parodied within British culture. ==History== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Main presenters of ''Countdown'' !scope=col|No !scope=col|Main presenter !scope=col|From !scope=col|To !scope=col|Duration |- |1 !scope=row|[[Richard Whiteley]] |2 November 1982 |1 July 2005 |{{ayd|1982|11|2|2005|7|1}} |- |2 !scope=row|[[Des Lynam]]{{efn|Lynam returned for the 5,000th episode, broadcast on 26 March 2010, as the Dictionary Corner guest.}} |31 October 2005 |22 December 2006 |{{ayd|2005|10|31|2006|12|22}} |- |3 !scope=row|[[Des O'Connor]] |2 January 2007 |12 December 2008 |{{ayd|2007|1|2|2008|12|12}} |- |4 !scope=row|[[Jeff Stelling]]{{efn|Returned as a "Dictionary Corner" guest for one week in August 2023.}} |12 January 2009 |16 December 2011 |{{ayd|2009|1|12|2011|12|16}} |- |5 !scope=row|[[Nick Hewer]] |9 January 2012 |25 June 2021 |{{ayd|2012|1|9|2021|6|25}} |- |6 !scope=row|[[Anne Robinson]] |28 June 2021 |13 July 2022 |{{ayd|2021|6|28|2022|7|13}} |- |7 !scope=row|[[Colin Murray]] |14 July 2022 |present |{{ayd|2022|7|14}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Co-presenters of ''Countdown'' !scope=col|No !scope=col|Co-presenter !scope=col|From !scope=col|To !scope=col|Duration |- |1 !scope=row|[[Carol Vorderman]]{{efn|Vorderman originally appeared as "vital statistician", a role in which she alternated with Dr Linda Barrett until Barrett's departure after series 2. Letters were placed on the board initially by Cathy Hytner, who was then followed by Karen Loughlin and Lucy Summers. Numbers were originally put up on the board by Beverley Isherwood and this was taken over by Hytner mid-way through series 3. From the start of series 18 in mid 1989, after Lucy Summers left the show, Vorderman began putting up the letters and numbers on a permanent basis.}} |2 November 1982 |12 December 2008 |{{ayd|1982|11|2|2008|12|12}} |- |2 !scope=row|[[Susie Dent]]{{efn|Although Dent first appeared on the show in Dictionary Corner in 1992, it was not until 2003 that she became the show's permanent lexicographer and since 2015 she has been credited as a co-presenter. For several episodes in 2007/08, Alison Heard replaced Dent because of her pregnancy. Also, she was absent for episodes in 2021 and 2022 because of COVID-19 isolation.}} |29 June 1992 |present |{{ayd|1992|6|29}} |- |3 !scope=row|[[Rachel Riley]] |12 January 2009 |present |{{ayd|2009|1|12}} |- |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Guest presenters and co-presenters of ''Countdown'' !scope=col|No !scope=col|Guest presenter !scope=col|From !scope=col|To !scope=col|Duration |- | rowspan="2" |1 !scope=row rowspan="2"|[[William G. Stewart]]{{efn|Stewart presented the 1997 special featuring The 2000th Edition and Christmas Special, where regular presenters Whiteley and Vorderman were contestants.}} | colspan="2" |6 May 1997 | rowspan="2" |2 episodes |- | colspan="2" |25 December 1997 |- | 2 !scope=row|[[Colin Murray]]{{efn|Murray served as a guest presenter for Hewer as he was shielding during the second Covid-19 lockdown and after he was vaccinated. He returned as a temporary host on 14 July 2022 following Anne Robinson's departure, then later became a permanent host in 2023.}} |21 December 2020 |16 March 2021 |88 days |- | rowspan="4" |3 !scope=row rowspan="2"|[[Trevor McDonald]]{{efn|McDonald and Sissay were presenter and lexicographer respectively of special episode as part of Channel 4's ''Black To Front Day''.|name=GuestPresent}} | colspan="2" |10 September 2021 | rowspan="2" |6 episodes |- | 14 November 2022 | 18 November 2022 |- !scope=row|[[Anne-Marie Imafidon|Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon]]{{efn|Imafidon co-presented a special episode as part of Channel 4's ''Black to Front Day''. She also covered for Riley when she was on maternity leave in 2021 and 2022}} |10 September 2021 |18 March 2022 |61 episodes |- !scope=row|[[Lemn Sissay]]{{efn|name=GuestPresent}} | colspan="2" |10 September 2021 |1 episode |- | 4 !scope=row|[[Les Dennis]]{{efn|Dennis covered for Murray for 10 episodes because Murray tested positive for [[COVID-19]] in August 2022.}} |2 August 2022 |15 August 2022 |10 episodes |- | 5 !scope=row|[[Jenny Eclair]]{{efn|Eclair covered for Murray for just 5 episodes because Murray tested positive for [[COVID-19]] in August 2022.}} |15 August 2022 |19 August 2022 |5 episodes |- |6 !scope=row|[[Floella Benjamin]] |31 October 2022 |4 November 2022 |5 episodes |- |7 !scope=row|[[Richard Coles]] |7 November 2022 |11 November 2022 |5 episodes |- |8 !scope=row|[[Moira Stuart]] |21 November 2022 |25 November 2022 |5 episodes |- |} ===Timeline=== {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:02/11/1982 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1983 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1983 Colors = id:main value:red legend:Main_presenter id:co value:blue legend:Co-presenter id:guest value:yellow legend:Guest_presenter id:occ value:purple legend:Occassional_appearances id:bars value:gray(0.92) BackgroundColors = bars:bars BarData = bar:Whiteley text:Richard Whiteley bar:Stewart text:William G. Stewart bar:Lynam text:Des Lynam bar:O'Connor text:Des O'Connor bar:Stelling text:Jeff Stelling bar:Hewer text:Nick Hewer bar:Murray text:Colin Murray bar:Robinson text:Anne Robinson bar:McDonald text:Trevor McDonald bar:Dennis text:Les Dennis bar:Eclair text:Jenny Eclair bar:Benjamin text:Floella Benjamin bar:Coles text:Richard Coles bar:Stuart text:Moria Stuart bar:Vorderman text:Carol Vorderman bar:Dent text:Susie Dent bar:Riley text:Rachel Riley bar:Imafidon text:Anne-Marie Imafidon bar:Sissay text:Lemn Sissay PlotData = width:11 bar:Whiteley from:02/11/1982 till:01/07/2005 color:main bar:Stewart from:06/05/1997 till:06/05/1997 color:main bar:Stewart from:06/05/1997 till:06/05/1997 color:guest width:3 bar:Stewart from:25/12/1997 till:25/12/1997 color:main bar:Stewart from:25/12/1997 till:25/12/1997 color:guest width:3 bar:Lynam from:31/10/2005 till:22/12/2006 color:main bar:O'Connor from:02/01/2007 till:12/12/2008 color:main bar:Stelling from:12/01/2009 till:16/12/2011 color:main bar:Hewer from:09/01/2012 till:25/06/2021 color:main bar:Murray from:21/12/2020 till:16/03/2021 color:main bar:Murray from:21/12/2020 till:16/03/2021 color:guest width:3 bar:Murray from:14/07/2022 till:end color:main bar:Robinson from:08/06/2021 till:13/07/2022 color:main bar:McDonald from:10/09/2021 till:10/09/2021 color:main bar:McDonald from:10/09/2021 till:10/09/2021 color:guest width:3 bar:McDonald from:14/11/2022 till:18/11/2022 color:main bar:McDonald from:14/11/2022 till:18/11/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Dennis from:02/08/2022 till:15/08/2022 color:main bar:Dennis from:02/08/2022 till:15/08/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Eclair from:15/08/2022 till:19/08/2022 color:main bar:Eclair from:15/08/2022 till:19/08/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Benjamin from:31/10/2022 till:04/11/2022 color:main bar:Benjamin from:31/10/2022 till:04/11/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Coles from:07/11/2022 till:11/11/2022 color:main bar:Coles from:07/11/2022 till:11/11/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Stuart from:21/11/2022 till:25/11/2022 color:main bar:Stuart from:21/11/2022 till:25/11/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Vorderman from:02/11/1982 till:12/12/2008 color:co bar:Vorderman from:02/11/1982 till:02/07/1983 color:occ width:3 bar:Dent from:29/06/1992 till:end color:co bar:Dent from:29/06/1992 till:21/11/2003 color:occ width:3 bar:Riley from:12/01/2009 till:end color:co bar:Imafidon from:10/09/2021 till:18/03/2022 color:co bar:Imafidon from:10/09/2021 till:18/03/2022 color:guest width:3 bar:Sissay from:10/09/2021 till:10/09/2021 color:co bar:Sissay from:10/09/2021 till:10/09/2021 color:guest width:3 }} ===Origin=== ''Countdown'' originated from the format of the French game show ''[[Des chiffres et des lettres]]''<!--Only the first word is capitalised: see the article linked to--> (''Numbers and Letters''), created by [[Armand Jammot]]. After watching the programme, Belgian record executive [[Marcel Stellman]] brought the format to Britain on the belief it could be popular overseas and proposed his concept for the British version to several networks. The concept was purchased in the early 1980s by [[ITV Yorkshire|Yorkshire Television]], which commissioned a series of eight shows under the title ''Calendar Countdown'', which were broadcast between April and June 1982.<ref name="Screenonline">{{Cite web |title=Countdown (1982-) |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/1295696/index.html |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=BFI Screenonline}}</ref> Aimed at being a spin-off of their regional news programme ''[[Calendar (British TV programme)|Calendar]]'', the programme's host deemed the natural choice for the concept. The spin-off was aired only in the [[Yorkshire]] area,<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 9–15.</ref> with Whiteley earning the nickname of "Twice Nightly Whiteley" because of his daily appearances on both programmes.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4102712.stm BBC.co.uk] obituary for Richard Whiteley—Retrieved 24 June 2006.</ref> He was assisted by Cathy Hytner and Denise McFarland-Cruickshanks, who handled the letters and numbers rounds respectively.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 17–18.</ref> By 1982, after an additional [[Television pilot|pilot episode]] was made with a refined format – an episode that was never broadcast<ref name="cstw_p20">''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 20.</ref> – the show was bought by [[Channel 4]], a new British television channel set to launch in November 1982, based on the refined concept.<ref name="cstw_p20"/> While Whiteley and Hytner from the original pilot were retained, the programme was renamed ''Countdown'', and the format was expanded to include additional members in the hosting team, including letters and number experts. It was commissioned to be broadcast four times a week for seven weeks initially, but was such a success that it is still being recommissioned as of 2024.<ref name="Screenonline" /> An additional spin-off to the programme for young contestants was proposed at the time, dubbed ''Junior Countdown'' – the concept would be similar in format, but hosted by [[Gyles Brandreth]] and [[Ted Moult]] – but while a pilot was created, the proposal was abandoned after it was found to be highly flawed. ''Countdown'' was the first programme broadcast by Channel 4 when it launched on 2 November 1982,<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138228/trivia IMDB.com] on ''Countdown'' trivia—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> with Whiteley opening the programme with the line: {{cquote|As the countdown to a brand new channel ends, a brand new ''Countdown'' begins.}} <div style="text-align:right">—[[Richard Whiteley]] introducing the first Channel 4 episode of ''Countdown''.<ref>[http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Countdown UK Game Shows] on ''Countdown''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first episode—Retrieved 26 June 2006.</ref></div> ===Whiteley tenure=== [[Image:Richardwhiteley.jpg|thumb|right|Richard Whiteley, ''Countdown''{{'}}s original presenter from 1982 until his death in June 2005.]]<!--FAIR USE of Richardwhiteley.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Richardwhiteley.jpg for rationale--> Alongside the original cast from ''Calendar Countdown'', the new format of the gameshow led to production staff seeking out further hostesses through advertising in national newspapers for young women to become a member of the programme's cast, with notable conditions about their involvement; in particular, those recruited for calculations found it made clear that as an applicant, their appearance would be less important than their skill as a mathematician.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=382762004 |title=Scotland on Sunday – Opinion – Success by numbers |date=27 October 2007 |website= |access-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027133142/http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=382762004 |archive-date=27 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Amongst those recruited, Beverley Isherwood was hired to work alongside Hytner in handling the selection of number and letter tiles respectively, while Linda Barrett and [[Carol Vorderman]] were recruited for checking over calculations by contestants in the numbers round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carol's addicted to Countdown |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/carols-addicted-to-countdown-6975894.html |website=[[Evening Standard]] |date=19 July 2004 |access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref> In addition, a [[lexicographer]] was also required to form part of the format's "Dictionary Corner" segment, to verify words given by contestants in the letters round (see ''[[#Letters Round|Letters round rules]]'') and to point out any longer or otherwise interesting words available; such a role was aided by the show's producers,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/community/showcards/C/Countdown_-_Richard_Whiteley2.html |title=Channel4.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831122951/http://www.channel4.com/community/showcards/C/Countdown_-_Richard_Whiteley2.html |archive-date=31 August 2010}}</ref> with no assistance from any [[computer program]] and accompanied by a celebrity guest for a set period on the programme – contributing words and providing entertainment through anecdotes, puzzles, poems and stories.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading The Word'', (Granada Media, 2001), p. 119–131.</ref> Amongst these who have appeared on the programme are [[Nigel Rees]], [[Jo Brand]], [[Martin Jarvis (actor)|Martin Jarvis]], [[Richard Digance]], [[Geoffrey Durham]], [[Ken Bruce]], [[Magnus Magnusson]], [[Pam Ayres]], [[Paul Zenon]], [[Jenny Eclair]], [[Al Murray]], [[John Sergeant (journalist)|John Sergeant]] and [[Gyles Brandreth]]. Over time, the additional hostesses on the programme were dropped by production staff who retained Vorderman and assigned her primarily to handle the selection of letter and number tiles, as well as verifying contestant calculations. The programme frequently rotated between various lexicographers, including Richard Samson and Alison Heard, for each series, until in 2003, the role was permanently given to [[Susie Dent]], after her debut on ''Countdown'' in 1992.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/lexicogs.htm The Countdown Page] on lexicographers.</ref> On 26 June 2005, Richard Whiteley died after a failed heart operation. At the time, he had been slowly recovering from [[pneumonia]] earlier that year,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/28/broadcasting.arts|title=Farewell to a jolly good egg|first=Lucy|last=Mangan|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 June 2005|access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref> which had prevented him recording further episodes. His death impacted the show, causing the episode scheduled for that day to be postponed by Channel 4 as a mark of respect, while the remaining episodes he had completed were aired after his death, the first of which was preceded by a tearful tribute from Carol Vorderman. After the series' conclusion, ''Countdown'' was placed into hiatus from 1 July to determine how to proceed. ===Post-Whiteley=== In October 2005, Channel 4 announced that [[Des Lynam]] would take over as the main presenter, having previously participated in the celebrity edition (''Celebrity Countdown'') in April 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4276674.stm|title=Des Lynam to take over Countdown|date=23 September 2005|access-date=30 May 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Lynam's tenure ran until December 2006, whereupon his demanding filming schedule forced him to resign from the programme.<ref name="leedsfans">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5394396.stm|title=Des Lynam quits TV Countdown quiz|date=30 September 2006|access-date=30 May 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Channel 4 proposed reducing his travelling by moving filming from [[Leeds]] to a site closer to his residence in [[Worthing]], [[West Sussex]], but viewers reacted angrily to the idea<ref name="leedsfans" /> and Lynam decided it would cause considerable disruption for many of the programme's camera crew. In January 2007, [[Des O'Connor]] took over as the main presenter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6144420.stm|title=O'Connor to be new Countdown host|date=13 November 2006|access-date=30 May 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> During his tenure as host, Susie Dent went on maternity leave over the winter of 2007–2008 and Alison Heard temporarily replaced her on the programme until 6 February 2008. By July 2008, both Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman had announced that they would be leaving by the end of that year after the end of Series 59.<ref name="O'Connor leaving">{{cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Alex |title=O'Connor quits as 'Countdown' host |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=23 July 2008 |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a114453/oconnor-quits-as-countdown-host.html |access-date=23 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="Carol quits">{{cite news |title=Carol Vorderman quits Countdown |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7526290.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=25 July 2008 |access-date=25 July 2008}}</ref> While Des O'Connor was forced to leave in order to concentrate on other projects,<ref name="O'Connor leaving" /> Carol Vorderman left after her offer to take a 33% salary decrease was rejected and production staff asked her to take a 90% pay cut; her agent stated that staff had told her that the show had survived without Richard Whiteley and could "easily survive without you".<ref name="Vorderman forced">{{cite news |title=Vorderman 'forced' to quit quiz |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7527091.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=26 July 2008 |access-date=26 July 2008}}</ref> Some media reports suggested that the new presenter would be either [[Rory Bremner]], the early favourite or [[Alexander Armstrong (comedian)|Alexander Armstrong]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Jerome |title='Countdown' conundrum solved |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/countdown-conundrum-solved-965462.html |work=The Independent |location=London |date=18 October 2008 |access-date=30 April 2010}}</ref> but both ruled themselves out of the job.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rajan |first=Amol |author-link=Amol Rajan |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/armstrong-turns-down-countdown-job-980252.html |title=Armstrong turns down 'Countdown' job |work=The Independent |location=London |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=30 April 2010}}</ref> At the same time there was speculation that several prominent women, including [[Anthea Turner]], [[Ulrika Jonsson]] and [[Myleene Klass]] were strong candidates to take over Carol Vorderman's job,<ref>{{cite news |last=Dahabiyeh |first=Nadia |title=New job please, Carol? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7528510.stm |date=28 July 2008 |access-date=2 January 2010}}</ref> but Channel 4 revealed that the role was to be assigned to a previously unknown male or female arithmetician with "charm and charisma". When Des Lynam became the new presenter after Richard Whiteley's death in 2005, the show regularly drew an average 1.7&nbsp;million viewers every day; this was around half a million more than in the last few years of Richard Whiteley presenting.<ref>[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16475395%26method=full%26siteid=66633%26headline=des-the-host-with-the-most--name_page.html DailyRecord.co.uk].</ref> The Series 54 final on 26 May 2006 attracted 2.5&nbsp;million viewers.<ref>[http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Weaver's_Week_2006-06-11 UKGameshows.com] on Series 54 final viewing figures—Retrieved 10 July 2006.</ref> 3–4&nbsp;million viewers had watched the show daily in its previous 16:15 slot. The drop in viewing figures following the scheduling change coupled with the show's perceived educational benefits, even caused [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] [[Jonathan Shaw (politician)|Jonathan Shaw]] to table a motion in the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|UK Parliament]] requesting that the show be returned to its later time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jonathanshaw.labour.co.uk/ViewPage.cfm?Page=7158 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040728113417/http://www.jonathanshaw.labour.co.uk/ViewPage.cfm?Page=7158 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 July 2004 |title=Jonathan Shaw's official website, detailing his parliamentary motion |access-date=10 July 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/22228/countdown|title=COUNTDOWN – Early Day Motions|website=edm.parliament.uk|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> Minor scheduling changes have subsequently seen the show move from 15:15 to 15:30, 15:45, 15:25 and 15:10. As of {{currentyear}}, it is broadcast at 14:10. In November 2008, [[Jeff Stelling]] was confirmed as the new host, while [[University of Oxford|Oxford]] maths graduate [[Rachel Riley]] was confirmed as Carol Vorderman's replacement.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7675710.stm |title=Sky host Stelling joins Countdown |publisher=BBC News |date=21 November 2008 |access-date=2 January 2010}}</ref> Jeff Stelling remained with the programme until the end of 2011, when his football commitments with [[Sky Sports]] forced him reluctantly to leave ''Countdown''. Before his departure, ''The Apprentice'' star [[Nick Hewer]] was announced as his replacement and he took over as the main presenter when his first episode aired on 9 January 2012.<ref name="hewerannounced">{{cite news |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=The Apprentice star Nick Hewer is new host of Countdown |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/nov/16/apprentice-nick-hewer-host-countdown |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 November 2011 |access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref> In 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], it was announced that [[Colin Murray]] (a frequent Dictionary Corner guest) would fill in for Nick Hewer while he spent a period of time in isolation during the UK's second lockdown. On 7 December 2020, Nick Hewer announced that he would be stepping down as the host of ''Countdown'' at the end of Series 83 in Summer 2021. Nick Hewer said it had been "privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of ''Countdown''". It was then announced on 15 February 2021 that [[Anne Robinson]], who first appeared on the show as a guest in Dictionary Corner in 1987, would take over from Nick Hewer at the start of Series 84. Nick Hewer's final show aired on 25 June 2021.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1335893383986941954 |user=Nick_Hewer |title=Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life and I’ve decided it's a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year. As someone in his 77th year, |author=Hewer, Nick |date=7 December 2020}}</ref> On 28 June 2021, Anne Robinson became the show's first female host in its 39-year history. In May 2022, it was announced that she would be leaving the show after just one year with Colin Murray taking over for the majority of Series 86.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/1523962488009764868|title=I'm like the assistant manager, given the job until end of season. Earn respect of dressing room (@susie_dent@RachelRileyRR), get some points on the board, try to win a trophy! 75 games to get it right!|website=Twitter.com|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> In total, Anne Robinson recorded 265 episodes, which equates to two full series and the first three weeks of Series 86. ===Character=== [[Image:Teapot (levelled).jpg|thumb|right|A ''Countdown'' teapot is awarded to any contestant who wins a game.]] ''Countdown'' quickly established [[cult television|cult]] status within British television<ref name="scotsman">[http://business.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=871&id=1939292005 Scotsman.com] on ''Countdown'' establishing cult status</ref> – an image which it maintains today,<ref name="bbcrwobit">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4102712.stm|title=Obituary: Richard Whiteley|date=26 June 2005|access-date=30 May 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> despite the loss of key presenters. The programme's audience comprises mainly students, homemakers and pensioners,<ref name="scotsman" /> because of the "teatime" broadcast slot and inclusive appeal of its format and presentation.<ref name="bbcrwobit" /> ''Countdown'' has been one of Channel 4's most-watched programmes for over twenty years, but has never won a major television award.<ref>''Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001), p. 74</ref> On each episode, the prize for defeating the reigning champion (or for claiming the championship when two new contestants compete) is a teapot that is styled to resemble the renowned clock used in each round. Introduced in December 1998, the teapot is custom-made and can only be obtained by winning a game on the programme.<ref>[http://www.nebagram.co.uk/countdownprizes.htm Nebagram.co.uk] on the prizes—page Retrieved 24 June 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728085237/http://www.nebagram.co.uk/countdownprizes.htm |date=28 July 2009}}</ref> Defeated contestants and retiring undefeated champions receive an assortment of ''Countdown''-themed merchandise as a parting gift. At first, the prize for the series winner was a leather-bound copy of the twenty-volume ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'', worth over [[Pound sterling|£]]4,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=To the victor, the spoils... |url=http://www.nebagram.co.uk/countdownprizes.htm |website=nebagram.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728085237/http://www.nebagram.co.uk:80/countdownprizes.htm |archive-date=28 July 2009 |date=January 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> David Acton (winner of Series 31) opted for a [[CD-ROM]] version of the dictionaries, not wanting to accept leather-bound books owing to his strict [[veganism]] and donated the monetary difference in the prices to charity.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 147.</ref> Between 2011 and 2021, the prize consisted of ordinary hardback twenty-one-volume dictionaries, a laptop computer and a lifetime subscription to Oxford Online (replaced by a [[MacBook Pro]] laptop by Series 68). The physical dictionaries were discontinued as a prize after Series 83, as they were deemed obsolete. As of Series 54 in 2006, the series champion also receives the Richard Whiteley Memorial Trophy in memory of the show's original presenter. Runner-up prizes in the finals increased over the years from a £100 book voucher to £250, later to £500 and then £1,000. Beginning with Series 68, the runner-up in the finals wins a laptop. ===Celebrations=== The first episode of ''Countdown'' was repeated on 1 October 2007 on [[More4]] and also on 2 November 2007 on Channel 4; this was as part of ''Channel 4 at 25'', a season of programmes to celebrate its 25th birthday. On 2 November 2007, ''Countdown'' celebrated its 25th anniversary and aired a special 'birthday episode'. The two players were 2006 winner [[Conor Travers]] and 2002 winner [[Chris Wills]]. However, for the rounds, [[Very Important Person|VIP]] guests selected the letters and numbers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_4473|title=Episode 4473 – Countdown|website=Wiki.apterous.org|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> Guests included [[Gordon Brown]], [[Amir Khan (British boxer)|Amir Khan]] and [[Richard Attenborough]]. A statement from the French TV network [[France Télévisions]] was read out on air by Carol Vorderman to commend [[Channel 4]] on its success of ''Countdown''. On 26 March 2010, [[Queen Elizabeth II]] congratulated ''Countdown'' for amassing 5,000 episodes. On 5 September 2014, the programme received a Guinness World Record at the end of its 6,000th show for the longest-running television programme of its kind during the course of Series 71. In September 2014, ''Countdown'' entered the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' for the most series of a TV game show broadcast.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29072573 |title=TV's Countdown gets Guinness World Record on 6,000th show |publisher=BBC News |access-date=13 September 2014 |date=5 September 2014}}</ref> ==Format== ''Countdown'' has occupied a daytime broadcast slot since its inception, originally in a 30-minute format. Since 2001, an episode lasts around 45 minutes including advertising breaks. During the normal series, the winner of each game returns for the next day's show. A player who wins eight games is declared an "octochamp" and retires from the programme. At the end of the series, the eight best players (ranked first by number of wins, then by total score if required to break a tie) are invited back to compete in the series finals. They are seeded in a [[single-elimination tournament|knockout]] tournament, with the first seed playing the eighth seed, the second playing the seventh and so on. The winner of this knockout, which culminates in the Grand Final, becomes the series champion. Each series lasts approximately six months with approximately 125 episodes.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading The Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 87.</ref> Approximately every four series, a Champion of Champions tournament takes place. For this, sixteen of the best players to have appeared since the previous Championship are invited back for another knockout tournament. The [[television producer|producer]], former contestant Damian Eadie, decides which players to include, but typically the tournament includes the series winners and other noteworthy contestants.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/exp-julian-fell-1.htm The Countdown Page] Julian Fell's ''Countdown'' "experience"—Retrieved 24 June 2006.</ref> Series 33 was designated a "Supreme Championship", in which 56 of the best contestants from all the previous series returned for another knockout tournament. Series 10 champion Harvey Freeman was declared Supreme Champion after beating Allan Saldanha in the final.<ref name="Countdown 2001 p. 220">''Countdown: Spreading The Word'' (Granada Media, 2001), p. 220.</ref> There are also occasional special episodes, in which past contestants return for themed matches. For example, David Acton and Kenneth Michie returned for a rematch of their Series 31 final, while brothers and former contestants Sanjay and Sandeep Mazumder played off against each other on 20 December 2004.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/specials.htm The Countdown Page] list of special episodes and their themes—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> Since the change to 45-minute episodes, the game has been split into three sections, separated by [[advertising]] breaks. The first section contains two letters rounds and one numbers round, the second has two letters rounds and one numbers round followed by the anecdote from the Dictionary Corner guest and then a further two letters rounds and one numbers round, while the last section has two letters rounds, Susie Dent's "Origins of Words" item since September 2007, two further letters rounds, one numbers round and a final "Conundrum" puzzle. With the exception of the Conundrum, the contestants swap control after every round so that each of them has control for five letters rounds and two numbers rounds. At the end of the first two sections, the host poses a "Teatime Teaser" for the viewers since series 46 in 2001, giving a set of short words and a [[cryptic crossword|cryptic clue]] to a single word that can be anagrammed from them. The solution is revealed at the start of the next section. (Example: Given the words SAD MOODY and the clue "We'll all be sad and moody when this arrives," the solution would be DOOMSDAY.) The length of the Teatime Teaser anagram has varied between seven and nine letters since its introduction. ===Letters Round=== The contestant in control chooses between two stacks of face-down letter tiles, one containing [[vowel]]s (A-E-I-O-U only) and the other [[consonant]]s and the assistant reveals the top tile from that stack and places it on the board. This is done nine times and the final grouping must contain at least three vowels and four consonants.<ref name="rulesref">''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 24.</ref> The contestants then have 30 seconds to form the longest single word they can, using the nine revealed letters; no letter may be used more often than it appears in the selection.<ref name="rulesref" /> The frequencies of the letters within each stack are weighted according to their [[Letter frequency|frequency in natural English]], in the same manner as [[Scrabble letter distributions|Scrabble]]. For example, there are many ''N''s and ''R''s in the consonant stack, but only one ''Q''. The letter frequencies are altered by the producers from time to time, so any published list does not necessarily reflect the letters used in any particular programme.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/letters.htm The Countdown Page: Letters]—Retrieved 8 April 2010.</ref> The two stacks of tiles are not replenished between rounds. Both contestants write down the words they form, in case they select the same one. After time runs out, the host asks the contestants to declare their word lengths, starting with the contestant who chose the letters. The host then asks the discovered words, starting with the shorter declared length. If one contestant has not written their word down in time, they must state this fact; if both then declare the same length, that contestant must give their word first to prevent cheating. If both contestants state that they have not written their words, the host allows them a moment to do so; this is typically edited out of the final broadcast. The contestant with the longer valid word scores one point per letter, or 18 points if they have used all nine. If the words are identical or of the same length, both contestants score. In the former case, the contestants must show their written words to each other as proof that they are the same. If a contestant is visually impaired, Dictionary Corner will verify the word. Contestants who inaccurately declare the length of their word score zero, even if the word is valid. Each round ends with Dictionary Corner revealing the longest words and/or any unusual ones that can be formed from the available letters, aided by the production team.<ref>[http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Countdown UK Game Shows] on production team aid—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> Any word which appears in the ''[[Oxford Dictionary of English]]'' is valid,<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/dictionaries.htm The Countdown Page] on dictionaries—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> as well as accepted forms of them that may not be explicitly listed. Examples are: * Common [[noun]]s and their plurals * [[Verb]]s and their inflections (e.g. "escape", "escaped", "escaping") * [[Comparative]] and [[superlative]] forms of [[adjective]]s (if the adjective is more than one syllable, the form must be explicitly listed)<ref>The ''Oxford Dictionary of English'' (2005, Oxford University Press), p. xvii.</ref> * Plurals of foods specified as mass nouns that may be ordered in restaurants (e.g. "pastas", as in "We'll have two pastas") Words that are not allowed include: * Terms which are always capitalised, including proper nouns (e.g. "Jane" or "London") * Words spelled with an apostrophe (e.g. “Didn’t” or “Wouldn’t”) * Hyphenated terms * Words that are never used alone (e.g. "gefilte"; only used as part of "gefilte fish") * Since 2002,<ref name="rulesref" /> [[American English|American spellings]] of words are not allowed (e.g. "flavour" and "signalled" are allowed, but "flavor" and "signaled" are not). Notably, though, words with the suffix ''-ize'' (e.g. "realize") and derived words thereof (e.g. "realizing") are permitted in addition to the corresponding ''-ise'' spellings (e.g. "realise"), as the ''Oxford Dictionary of English'' regards both as British English spellings per the [[Oxford spelling]] convention. :'''''Example:''''' ::Contestant One chooses five consonants, then three vowels, then another consonant. ::Selection is: :::<span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">G</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">Y</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">H</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">D</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">N</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">O</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">E</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">U</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">R</span>{{clear left}} ::Contestant One declares 7, while Contestant Two declares 8. ::Contestant One reveals ''younger'', but Contestant Two reveals ''hydrogen'' and scores 8 points. Contestant One does not score. ::Dictionary Corner notes ''greyhound'', which would have scored 18 points for using all nine letters. ===Numbers Round=== The contestant in control chooses six of 24 shuffled face-down number tiles, arranged into two groups: 20 "small numbers" (two each of 1 to 10) and four "large numbers" of 25, 50, 75 and 100. Some special episodes replace the large numbers with 12, 37, 62 and 87. The contestant decides how many large numbers are to be used, from none to all four, after which the six tiles are randomly drawn and placed on the board. A random three-digit target figure is then generated by an electronic machine, known as "CECIL" (which stands for ''Countdown's Electronic Calculator In Leeds'').<ref>[http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Countdown UK Game Shows] on game equipment—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> The contestants have 30 seconds to work out a sequence of calculations with the numbers whose final result is as close to the target number as possible. They may use only the four basic operations of [[addition]], [[subtraction]], [[multiplication]] and [[division (mathematics)|division]]<ref name="rulesref" /> and do not have to use all six numbers. A number may not be used more times than it appears on the board. Division can only be performed if the result has no remainder (i.e., the divisor is a factor of the dividend). Fractions are not allowed and only positive [[integer]]s may be obtained as a result at any stage of the calculation.<ref name="rulesref" /> As in the letters rounds, both contestants must declare their results and any contestant who has not fully written their calculations down in time must go first if both declare the same result. In addition, both contestants must show their written work to each other if their results and calculations are identical. The contestant who has declared a result closer to the target is called upon to state their calculations first. Only if they make a mistake or if both contestants are equally close to the target, is the opponent called upon. Only the contestant whose result is closer to the target scores points: ten for reaching it exactly, seven for being between one and five from the target and five for being within six and ten from the target. Contestants score no points for being more than ten away, if their calculations are flawed or if they take too long to give a solution or after saying they have not written it down. Both score if they reach the same result or if their results are the same distance away. Should neither contestant reach the target exactly, the assistant is called upon to attempt a solution, either immediately or at a later time during the episode. :'''''Example:''''' ::Contestant One requests two large numbers and four small numbers. ::Selection is: :::<span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">75</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">50</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">2</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">3</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">8</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">7</span>{{clear left}} ::Randomly generated target is: :::<span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:3em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">812</span>{{clear left}} ::Contestant One declares 813, while Contestant Two declares 815. ::Contestant One is closer and so reveals: 75 + 50 – 8 = 117, and 117 × 7 – (3 × 2) = 813, which scores 7 points for being 1 away. Contestant Two does not score. ::Assistant notes: 50 + 8 = 58, and 7 × 2 × 58 = 812, which would have scored 10 points. In some games, there are many ways to reach the target exactly; the example target above could also be reached by 7 × (75 + 50 + 2 – 8 – 3) = 812. Not all games are solvable, and for a few selections it is impossible even to get within 10, most commonly when a contestant picks six small numbers and the target number is quite large.<ref>{{cite arXiv | eprint=1502.05450 | last1=Alliot | first1=Jean-Marc | title=The (Final) countdown | year=2015 | class=cs.AI }}</ref> There is a tactical element in selecting how many large numbers to include. One large and five small numbers is the most popular selection,<ref>[http://www.pagetworld.plus.com/countdownresults.htm Countdown Statistics] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228171319/http://www.pagetworld.plus.com/countdownresults.htm |date=28 December 2007}} on the frequency of each numbers games' selection—Retrieved 19 June 2006.</ref> despite two large numbers giving the best chance of the game being solvable exactly.<ref name="numstats">[http://www.crosswordtools.com/numbers-game/faq.php#stats Crossword Tools] on analysis of the numbers game—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> Selections with zero or four large numbers are generally considered the hardest.<ref name="numstats" /> The 24 tiles are laid out in four rows, the topmost of which contains only the four large numbers. The contestant may specify how many tiles to draw from each row, or simply state how many large and small numbers will be used; in the latter case, the assistant draws the tiles randomly. The numbers are usually placed on the board from right to left, starting with the small ones, but have occasionally been displayed in scrambled order. On rare occasions, the contestant has declined to make any choices, in which case the assistant selects the tiles. Unlike the letters round, the pool of tiles is fully replenished after each numbers round. :'''''Example:''''' ::Contestant requests one from the top (large), two from the second row (small), and three more from the top (large). ::Selection is (in disorder): :::<span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">50</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">10</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">6</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">25</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:2em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">100</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">75</span>{{clear left}} A special edition, broadcast on 15 March 2010, for two previous series champions, Kirk Bevins and Chris Davies, used instead of the usual four large numbers, the numbers 12, 37 and two numbers unrevealed for the duration of the show. In a further special broadcast on 16 August 2010 between the Series 59 finalists Charlie Reams and Junaid Mubeen, the other two numbers were revealed to be 62 and 87. ===Conundrum=== The final round of the game is the ''Countdown Conundrum'', in which the contestants are shown a combination of two or three words with a total of nine letters. They have 30 seconds to form a single word using all the letters and must buzz in to respond (a bell for the champion and a buzzer for the challenger). Each contestant is allowed only one guess and the first to answer correctly scores 10 points. If a contestant buzzes-in and either responds incorrectly or fails to give any response, they are frozen out and the remaining time is given to the opponent. If neither contestant can solve it, the presenter asks whether anyone in the audience knows the answer and if so, chooses someone to call it out (this practice was stopped temporarily in 2009 to avoid difficulties with camera angles after the studio layout was changed). The Conundrum is designed to have only one solution, but on occasion more than one valid word is found by happenstance (e.g. MISSATTEE can become both ESTIMATES and STEAMIEST). If this happens, any of these results are accepted. On rare occasions, the Conundrum is presented as a single nine-letter word that must be anagrammed into another one (e.g. SMARTENED becoming TRADESMEN). If the contestants' scores are within ten points of each other going into this round, it is referred to as a "Crucial Countdown Conundrum." Since ten points are at stake, the contestant who solves it will either win the game or force a tiebreaker. If the scores are tied after the Conundrum, additional Conundrums are played until the tie is broken. There have been several instances in which two Conundrums were used to decide the winner, but only a handful of episodes have required three. There have also been cases when even more Conundrums have been required to provide a winner, but not all have been included in the transmitted programme.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} :'''''Example:''''' ::Conundrum is revealed: :::<span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">C</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">H</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">I</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">N</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">A</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">L</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">U</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">N</span> <span style="display:block;float:left;margin:0 0.25em;width:1.5em;text-align:center;border:1px solid #000">G</span>{{clear left}} ::Contestant One buzzes-in and says ''launching''. This answer is revealed to be correct and Contestant One scores 10 points. ==Evolution== [[Image:Countdownset.jpg|right|thumb|The studio used from 2003 and 2008 before the start of a game]] [[File:Countdown (Game Show) studio.JPG|thumb|The studio used from 2009 until 2012, after the end of a game]] [[File:Countdownset2017.jpg|thumb|Panorama of the 2017 set]] The rules of ''Countdown'' are derived from those of ''[[Des chiffres et des lettres]]''. Perhaps the biggest difference is the length of the round; ''DCedL''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s number rounds are each 45 seconds long to ''Countdown''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s 30. ''DCedL'' also features "duels", in which players compete in short tasks such as mental arithmetic problems, forming two themed words from a set of letters, or being asked to spell a word correctly. Other minor differences include a different numbers scoring system (9 points for an exact solution, or 6 points for the closest inexact solution in ''DCedL'') and the proportion of letters to numbers rounds (10 to 4 in ''Countdown'', 8 to 4 in ''DCedL'').<ref>[http://cybercl.free.fr/reglem/dreglem.html cybercl.free.fr] rules of ''Des Chiffres et des Lettres'' (in French)—Retrieved 7 July 2006.</ref> The [[television pilot|pilot episode]] followed significantly different rules from the current ones. Most noticeably, only eight letters were selected for each letters round. If two contestants offered a word of the same length, or an equally close solution to a numbers game, then only the contestant who made the selection for that round was awarded points. Also, only five points were given for an exact numbers solution, three for a solution within 5, and one point for the closer solution, no matter how far away.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001), p. 18.</ref> Though the style and colour scheme of the set have changed many times (and the show itself moved to Manchester after more than 25 years in Leeds), the clock has always provided the centrepiece and like the clock music (composed by [[Alan Hawkshaw]]), it is an enduring and well-recognised feature of ''Countdown''. [[Executive producer]] John Meade once commissioned Alan Hawkshaw to revise the music for extra intensity to introduce at the start of Series 31 in January 1996; after hundreds of complaints from viewers, the old tune was reinstated after just 12 shows.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 33.</ref> The original set, known as the Pastel set, was used from its launch in 1982 until Series 17 in early 1989. A new brown wooden set was introduced in Series 18 in July 1989 but remained in use for less than two years. Series 22 from July 1991 saw the introduction of the familiar and long-lived "Wings" set which was used in its original form, a red colour scheme, until 1995. Series 31 in January 1996 saw its colour scheme change to purple and changed again to tangerine at the end of 1999 alongside updated displays for the scores and CECIL. January 2003 saw the set updated to a new pink and purple striped theme with the letters and numbers boards now on separate islands rather than being integrated into the set. Six years later, in January 2009, the set received another redesign with a numerical blue theme and the letters and numbers boards mounted on opposite sides of a single display stand. New modern displays for the scores and the numbers round came in January 2013 while the set received a slight redesign in July 2017 while retaining the blue background which has been used to up to the most recent series. The original clock featured until September 2013, when it was replaced. Until the end of Series 21, if the two contestants had equal scores after the first conundrum, the match was declared a draw and they both returned for the next show.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001), p. 133.</ref> A significant change in the format occurred in September 2001, when the show was expanded from nine rounds and 30 minutes to the current fifteen rounds and 45 minutes.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/series46.htm The Countdown Page] showing the expanded format—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> The older format was split into two halves, each with three letters and one numbers game, plus the conundrum at the end of the second half. When the format was expanded to fifteen rounds, Richard Whiteley continued to refer jokingly to the three segments of the show as "halves". Under the old format, Grand Finals were specially extended shows of fourteen rounds,<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/final14.htm The Countdown Page] showing a fourteen-round final—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> but now all shows use a fifteen-round format.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/final54.htm The Countdown Page] showing a fifteen-round final—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> The rules regarding which words are permitted have changed with time. [[American and British English spelling differences|American spelling]] was allowed until 2002<ref>[http://jono.nebagram.co.uk/node.html New Oxford Dictionary of English Guidelines] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111210131/http://jono.nebagram.co.uk/node.html |date=11 November 2007 }} on the change in rules regarding American spelling—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> and more unspecified inflections were assumed to be valid.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/final8.htm The Countdown Page] series final recap in which ''dominater'' was deemed valid—Retrieved 20 June 2006.</ref> In September 2007, an "Origin of Words" feature was added to the show, in which Susie Dent explains the origin of a word or phrase she has been researching. This feature follows the eighth letters round, partway through the third section of each episode. The feature was omitted during the time that Susie Dent was absent for maternity leave and was reinstated upon her return. When the 15-round format was first introduced in September 2001, the composition of the rounds was different from that used by the programme today. The three sections each had five rounds; four letters rounds and one numbers round in each of the first two sections with three letters rounds, one numbers round and the conundrum in the third section. This meant that there was a slight imbalance, whereby one contestant made the letters sections for six rounds, but had the choice of the numbers selection just once, whereas the other contestant chose letters five times and numbers twice. The Dictionary Corner guest's spot was immediately before the first advertising break and Susie Dent's Origin of Words spot preceded the second numbers game shortly before the second break. The change to the present format was made on 25 March 2013, three weeks into the second section of Series 68, to comply with Channel 4's decision to increase the amount of advertising and to alter the times when they occur during the programme, therefore reducing ''Countdown''{{'}}s actual show length from 36 to 35 minutes. ==Notable contestants== Since ''Countdown''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s debut in 1982, there have been over 8,000 televised episodes and 89 complete series. There have also been sixteen ''Champion of Champions'' tournaments, the most recent in January 2023. Several of ''Countdown''{{'}}s most successful contestants have received national media coverage. Teenager [[Julian Fell]] set a record score of 146 in December 2002.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/hiscores.htm The Countdown Page] on Julian Fell's record score—Retrieved 25 June 2006.</ref> In 2006, 14-year-old [[Conor Travers]] became the youngest series champion in the show's history,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071001083819/http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article620208.ece The Independent] on Conor Travers—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk_news/story/0,,1784247,00.html The Guardian] on Conor Travers—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> and 11-year-old Kai Laddiman became the youngest octochamp for 20 years. Conor Travers went on to win the 30th Anniversary Champion of Champions series in March 2013 with a record-equalling top score of 146. On 17 January 2019, in the quarter-final of the 15th ''Champion of Champions'' tournament, Zarte Siempre, who eventually won that tournament set a new record score of 150. This record was beaten in May 2019 by Elliott Mellor's score of 152. A new record was set on 29 September 2022 when contestant Tom Stevenson scored 154.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-63158937|title=Channel 4 Countdown: 'Absolutely phenomenal' student breaks records|work=BBC News |date=6 October 2022|accessdate=6 October 2022}}</ref> This record score of 154 was equalled by contestant Cillian McMulkin on 31 January 2023. At eight years old, Tanmay Dixit was the youngest player ever to appear on the show, achieving two wins in March 2005. He also received press attention for his offerings in the letters round, which included ''fannies'' and ''farted''.<ref>[http://www.sky.com/showbiz/article/0,,50001-1174839,00.html Sky.com] on Tanmay Dixit—Retrieved 21 June 2006.{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050319012746/http://www.sky.com/showbiz/article/0%2C%2C50001-1174839%2C00.html |date=19 March 2005}}</ref> On Christmas Day 1987, Nic Brown set the highest score difference ever achieved in a standard 14-round game, beating Joel Salkin 108–36, a margin of 72 points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Nic_Brown|title=Nic Brown – Countdown|website=Wiki.apterous.org|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> Brown also went on to become one of the only two contestants ever to achieve an undefeated 'grand slam' – becoming an Octochamp, winning a series, and winning a Championship of Champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Grand_slam_winner|title=Grand slam winner – Countdown|website=Wiki.apterous.org|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> In April 2013, Giles Hutchings, a student at [[Royal Grammar School, Guildford]] broke the record for the highest octochamp score, amassing 965 points over 8 games. He went on to win series 68.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/teenager-giles-countdown-record-breaker-4882094|title=Teenager Giles is a Countdown record-breaker|first=Phoebe|last=Morgan|date=8 July 2013|website=Getsurrey.co.uk|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> The record was beaten by Dylan Taylor, who achieved an octochamp score of 974 in August 2013, but he lost the Grand Final of that series. In 2019 the record was beaten by 87 points by teenager Elliott Mellor, who became the first octochamp to break the 1,000-point barrier scoring a total of 1,061 over his eight preliminary games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Elliott_Mellor|title=Elliott Mellor – Countdown|website=Wiki.apterous.org|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> Echoing Dylan's appearance, Mellor was pipped to the series title, finishing as runner up. Three former contestants have returned to ''Countdown'' as part of the production team: Michael Wylie, [[Mark Nyman]] (as producer, and occasional lexicographer in Dictionary Corner) and Damian Eadie (the current series producer). In 1998, sixteen celebrities were invited to play ''Celebrity Countdown'', a series of eight games broadcast every Thursday evening over the course of eight weeks.<ref>''Countdown: Spreading the Word'' (Granada Media, 2001) p. 34.</ref> The celebrities included Whiteley's successor Des Lynam, who beat [[Siân Lloyd (weather presenter)|Siân Lloyd]].<ref name="celeb">[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/celeb.htm The Countdown Page] on ''Celebrity Countdown''—Retrieved 25 June 2006.</ref> The highest and lowest scores were posted in the same game when TV's [[Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall]] beat wine critic [[Jilly Goolden]] 47–9.<ref name="celeb" /> Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman competed in another special episode on [[Christmas Day]] 1997. For this game, the presenter's chair was taken by [[William G. Stewart]], the host of fellow Channel 4 game show ''[[Fifteen to One]]''. Susie Dent took over Vorderman's duties, and [[Mark Nyman]] occupied Dictionary Corner, accompanied by [[Magnus Magnusson]].<ref name="celeb" /> The game was close-fought, and decided only by the crucial Countdown conundrum ''mistletoe'' which Vorderman solved in two seconds, after Whiteley had inadvertently buzzed after one second, because when he regularly hosted the show, he hit the button to reveal the conundrum and kept his old habit up.<ref>[http://www.thecountdownpage.com/xmas.htm The Countdown Page] recap of Whiteley vs. Vorderman Christmas special—Retrieved 25 June 2006.</ref> Contestants who have or had become notable for other reasons include ''[[Nuts (magazine)|Nuts]]'' magazine editor-at-large Pete Cashmore, rugby player [[Ayoola Erinle]], footballers [[Neil MacKenzie]], [[Clarke Carlisle]] and [[Matt Le Tissier]], musicians [[Jon Marsh]] and [[Nick Saloman]], comedian [[Alex Horne]], noted Irish [[playwright]] [[Peter Sheridan]] and professional [[darts]] referee Kirk Bevins, who won Series 60 and was a quarter-finalist in the 30th Birthday Championship. ==In popular culture== ''Countdown'' is often referenced and parodied in British culture. ===Assorted allusions=== In 1992, [[Saint Etienne (band)|Saint Etienne]] used a sample of the host's lead-in for "today's Countdown Conundrum" as the opening for the track "Stoned to Say the Least". In the 2002 film ''[[About a Boy (film)|About a Boy]]'', protagonist Will Freeman is a regular viewer of ''Countdown''.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276751/movieconnections IMDB] ''[[About a Boy (film)|About a Boy]]'' movie connections page—Retrieved 18 June 2006.</ref> The ''[[Doctor Who]]'' episode "[[Bad Wolf]]" (2005) mentions a futuristic version of ''Countdown'', in which the goal is to stop a bomb from exploding in 30 seconds. ''Countdown'' was referenced again in a later series in "[[Last of the Time Lords]]" (2007), where Professor Docherty expresses a keen fondness for the show and how it "hasn't been the same since Des took over—both Deses". [[Fairport Convention]] guitarist [[Simon Nicol]] titled one of his solo albums ''Consonant Please Carol'', echoing one of the show's catchphrases. ===Video game=== A ''Countdown'' video game was released for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii in 2009. There have also been mobile apps of the game released. ===Outtakes=== [[Image:Countdown letters game.jpg|thumb|right|The letters of a round during a 1991 episode in which both contestants declared the word ''wankers''.]]<!-- FAIR USE of Countdown_letters_game.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Countdown_letters_game.jpg for rationale --> ''Countdown'' has also generated a number of widely viewed [[outtake]]s, with the letters occasionally producing a word that was deemed unsuitable for the original broadcast. A round in which Dictionary Corner offered the word ''gobshite'' featured in ''TV's Finest Failures'' in 2001 (the actual episode aired on 10 January 2000),<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306114/movieconnections IMDB] ''TV's Finest Failures'' movie connections page—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> and in one episode from 1991, contestants Gino Corr and Lawrence Pearse both declared the word ''wankers''. This was edited out of the programme but has since appeared on many outtakes shows.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120912001233/http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/countdwn.htm Snopes] on the ''wankers'' incident—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060427103824/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/28/db2801.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/06/28/ixportal.html Telegraph.co.uk] on the ''wankers'' incident–Retrieved 20 July 2006.</ref> When contestant Charlie Reams declared ''wankers'' on 21 October 2008 edition, the declaration was kept in but the word itself was [[Bleep censor|bleeped]]. Other incidents with only marginally rude words (including ''wanker'', singular) have made it into the programme as they appeared, such as those with Tanmay Dixit referenced above, a clip from a 2001 episode in which the word ''fart'' appeared as the first four letters on the board (which also featured on ''100 Greatest TV Moments from Hell''),<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0260666/movieconnections IMDB] ''100 Greatest TV Moments from Hell'' movie connections page—Retrieved 19 June 2006.</ref> and a round where an anagram of the word ''fucked'' appeared on the board in the string "A U O D F C K E G", although neither player chose to use the word and Dictionary Corner was able to find two seven-letter words that could have been made from the board's offerings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Countdown contestants asked to make word using U, D, F, C, K, E |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7511173/Countdown-contestants-asked-to-make-word-using-UDFCKE.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7511173/Countdown-contestants-asked-to-make-word-using-UDFCKE.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |location=London |date=24 March 2010 |access-date=27 March 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 2 February 2017, the board for the letters round was "M T H I A E D H S", and with both players offering sevens, Dictionary Corner found the word "shithead", which was bleeped out in the audio and censored on-screen with the poo emoji.<ref>{{cite news |title=The word 'sh*thead' came up on Countdown and they blocked it out with the faeces emoji |url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/countdown-3220410-Feb2017/ |newspaper=The Daily Edge |date=2 February 2017}}</ref> ===Humour=== The programme is mentioned in an episode of Irish [[Situation comedy|sitcom]] ''[[Father Ted]]'' entitled "[[The Old Grey Whistle Theft]],”<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0578521/movieconnections IMDB] ''[[Father Ted]]'' movie connections—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> ''[[Still Game]]'' (in the episode "Wireless") and is also referenced in the very first episode of ''[[Little Britain (sketch show)|Little Britain]]'' from 2003.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0632951/movieconnections IMDB] ''[[Little Britain (sketch show)|Little Britain]]'' movie connections page—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> [[BBC]] [[impressionist (entertainment)|impression]] [[sketch comedy|sketch show]] ''[[Dead Ringers (comedy)|Dead Ringers]]'' parodies ''Countdown'' numerous times, and another television programme, ''[[The Big Breakfast]]'', parodied ''Countdown'' in a feature called "Countdown Under".<ref>[http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Good_Game_Guide_9_Game_Show_Spoofs UK Game Shows] list of game show spoofs—Retrieved 21 June 2006.</ref> In a sketch "Countdown to Hell" from the comedy show ''[[A Bit of Fry and Laurie]]'', [[Stephen Fry]] lampooned [[Richard Whiteley]]'s punning style and [[Hugh Laurie]] played one of the contestants, while [[Gyles Brandreth]] (played by [[Steve Steen]]), presented with the letters "{{smallcaps|bollocsk}},” got the (non-)word "sloblock" (supposedly meaning exactly the same as "[[bollocks]]").<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091027145625/http://geocities.com/mmemym/bits3/fal0153.htm Countdown to Hell] transcript—Retrieved 23 June 2006.</ref> The show also has a fleeting reference in British sitcom ''[[The Office (UK TV series)|The Office]]'' when Chris 'Finchy' Finch attempts to insult temporary worker Ricky when he explains he had a job to pay for his studies. Finchy states that it probably was 'professor in charge of watching ''Countdown'' every day', commenting on its student audience, and referring to the fact anyone watching ''Countdown'' during its 'hometime' time slot cannot be out at work. The format of the show has been parodied on ''[[Have I Got News for You]]''. In 1999, when Whiteley was a guest, the numbers game was copied along with the clock music and at the end of the show was a conundrum, "PHANIOILS", to which the answer was [[Ian Hislop]]. In 2004, when Vorderman was a guest, one of the usual rounds was replaced with a conundrum round based on the week's news. When Vorderman hosted ''Have I Got News'' in 2006, one of the rounds was the "Spinning Conundrum Numbers Round", altering the "Spinning Headlines" round by adding a number to a picture relating to the week's news; at the end of the round, the six numbers from the picture were used for a numbers game. Richard Whiteley was the victim of a practical joke while presenting the show in 1998. The contestants and rounds had been planted as part of a "Gotcha!", a regular prank feature on the light entertainment show ''[[Noel's House Party]]''. In the prank, both the two contestants and Dictionary Corner missed the word ''something'' from the letters OMETHINGS, and from another selection, both of the contestants declared "I've got diarrhoea" referring to the selection. In the numbers round that followed, the male contestant "answered" the puzzle by concatenating 6, 2, and 3 to make the target of 623. Whiteley did not uncover the joke until ''House Party'' presenter [[Noel Edmonds]] appeared on the set, having revealed the unusually short conundrum of HOGCAT to be "gotcha" at the end of the programme.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/community/showcards/C/Countdown_-_Richard_Whiteley2.html Channel 4] Community webchat with [[Richard Whiteley]], explaining his ''Gotcha!''—Retrieved 21 June 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831122951/http://www.channel4.com/community/showcards/C/Countdown_-_Richard_Whiteley2.html |date=31 August 2010}}</ref> In a [[Top Gear (series 2)|2003]] episode of ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', Richard Whiteley participated in the "[[Star in a Reasonably Priced Car]]" segment. Before Whiteley's lap was shown, presenter [[Jeremy Clarkson]] played a game of ''Countdown'' with Whiteley, using words such as ''imin'' ([[Mini (marque)|Mini]]), ''sexul'' ([[Lexus]]), ''nevor lard'' ([[Land Rover]]), ''mushi bits''([[Mitsubishi]]) and ''pianos shiazu ([[Hispano-Suiza]]). It was also referred to on ''[[Harry Hill's TV Burp]]'' twice. The first time it was referred to was when "Dev" (''Coronation Street'') made a sound like ''Countdown'' end of thirty seconds time. The second time was when the competition "Where Has The Knitted Character Been This Week?" had the answer "on Rachel Riley's chair". {{anchor|TNETENNBA}} On 2 July 2010, the game was featured in the Season 4 episode [[List of The IT Crowd episodes#ep20|"The Final Countdown"]] of ''[[The IT Crowd]]''. Moss stuns everyone, including Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley (both playing themselves), by declaring that the 9 letter string TNETENNBA is in fact a word. Later, Moss becomes an octochamp and is consequently invited into an underground club named "8+,” where he competes in a game of "Street Countdown" as part of a spoof of ''Boogie Town''. The episode featured a [[cameo appearance|cameo]] from [[Gyles Brandreth]], a regular contributor to Dictionary Corner. British entertainer [[Stevie Riks]] has parodied the show in one of his many YouTube comedy videos.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugvATvQueoo | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424155306/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugvATvQueoo&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2020-04-24 | url-status=dead|title=YouTube |work=youtube.com}}</ref> In an episode from spring 2011, the [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]]-supporting producer of the show arranged the conundrum ''PNECRISIS'' ("priciness"), poking fun at their local rivals [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]]'s relegation from the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] in the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/12/blackpool-fans-mock-preston-countdown |title=Blackpool fan takes Preston North End rivalry into Countdown studio |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Gregg |last=Roughley |date=12 May 2011 |access-date=3 September 2022}}</ref> ===Non-canon games=== The game has also been played on a number of different programs, notably as the first challenge in "What's Next" on ''[[Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway]]'', featuring the pair versus one of the duo's old head teachers. In 2010, it was played as a shopping task on the final [[Channel 4]] series of ''[[Celebrity Big Brother 2010 (UK)|Celebrity Big Brother]]'', with a team of housemates competing in the house against the then current champion, Chris Davies, in the ''Countdown'' studio via satellite. The housemates failed this task. ==Transmissions== ===Regular=== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%" ! rowspan="2"| Series !! rowspan="2" width=120pt| Start date !! rowspan="2" width=120pt| End date !! colspan="2"| Episodes !! rowspan="2" width=90pt| Presenter !! rowspan="2"| Notes |- ! Series !! Cumulative |- | '''1''' || 2 November 1982<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1982/11/02/Y21760001/ |title=Countdown (Series 1, Episode 1) |publisher=[[ITN Source]] |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 16 December 1982<ref name=ITNSource>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1982/12/16/Y21760027/ |title=Countdown (Series 1, Episode 27) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27<ref name="ITNSource"/> || 27<ref name=ITNSource/> || rowspan="53"| [[Richard Whiteley]] || First series to be hosted by Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman and the first to feature the Pastel set and filmed at the Yorkshire Television Studios in Leeds. |- | '''2''' || 5 April 1983<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/04/05/Y21760028/ |title=Countdown (Series 2, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 July 1983<ref name=ITNSource2>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/07/02/Y21760080/ |title=Countdown (Series 2, Episode 53) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 53<ref name=ITNSource2/> || 80<ref name=ITNSource2/> || Last series to feature Dr Linda Barrett who alternated as 'vital statistician' with Carol Vorderman. |- | '''3''' || 19 September 1983<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/09/19/Y21760081/ |title=Countdown (Series 3, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 15 December 1983<ref name=ITNSource3>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/12/15/Y21760132/ |title=Countdown (Series 3, Episode 52) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 52<ref name=ITNSource3/> || 132<ref name=ITNSource3/> || Last series to feature Beverley Isherwood as 'Numbers Girl' who left after 21 November. |- | '''4''' || 2 April 1984<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/04/02/Y21760133/ |title=Countdown (Series 4, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 June 1984<ref name=ITNSource4>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/06/28/Y21760184/ |title=Countdown (Series 4, Episode 52) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 52<ref name=ITNSource4/> || 184<ref name=ITNSource4/> || |- | '''5''' || 15 October 1984<ref name=ITNSource5>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/10/15/Y21760185/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 21 December 1984<ref name=ITNSource6>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/12/21/Y21760234/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource6/> || 234<ref name=ITNSource6/> || Championship of Champions I aired on 15<ref name="ITNSource5"/>–23 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/10/23/Y21760191/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> |- | '''6''' || 7 January 1985<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/01/07/Y21760235/ |title=Countdown (Series 6, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 21 March 1985<ref name=ITNSource7>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/03/21/Y21760288/ |title=Countdown (Series 6, Episode 54) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 54<ref name=ITNSource7/> || 288<ref name=ITNSource7/> || |- | '''7''' || 14 October 1985<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/10/14/Y21760289/ |title=Countdown (Series 7, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 20 December 1985<ref name=ITNSource8>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/12/20/Y21760338/ |title=Countdown (Series 7, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource8/> || 338<ref name=ITNSource8/> || |- | '''8''' || 6 January 1986<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/01/06/Y21760339/ |title=Countdown (Series 8, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 March 1986<ref name=ITNSource9>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/03/27/Y21760397/ |title=Countdown (Series 8, Episode 59) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 59<ref name=ITNSource9/> || 397<ref name=ITNSource9/> || |- | '''9''' || 31 March 1986<ref name=ITNSource10>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/03/31/Y21760398/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 3 June 1986<ref name=ITNSource11>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/06/03/Y21760444/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 47) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 47<ref name=ITNSource11/> || 444<ref name=ITNSource11/> || Championship of Champions II aired on 31 March<ref name=ITNSource10/>–8 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/04/08/Y21760404/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> |- | '''10''' || 13 October 1986<ref name=ITNSource12>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/10/13/Y21760445/ |title=Countdown (Series 10, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 December 1986<ref name=ITNSource13>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/12/19/Y21760494/ |title=Countdown (Series 10, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource13/> || 494<ref name=ITNSource13/> || Championship of Champions I & II aired on 13 October.<ref name=ITNSource12/> |- | '''11''' || 2 February 1987<ref name=ITNSource14>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/02/02/Y21760500/ |title=Countdown (Series 11, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 10 April 1987<ref name=ITNSource15>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/04/10/Y21760549/ |title=Countdown (Series 11, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource15/> || 544<ref name=ITNSource15/> || 500th episode aired on 9 February.<ref name=ITNSource14/> |- | '''12''' || 13 April 1987<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/04/13/Y21760550/ |title=Countdown (Series 12, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 June 1987<ref name=ITNSource16>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/19/Y21760599/ |title=Countdown (Series 12, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource16/> || 594<ref name=ITNSource16/> || |- | '''13''' || 22 June 1987<ref name=ITNSource17>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/22/Y21760600/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 August 1987<ref name=ITNSource18>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/08/28/Y21760649/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name="ITNSource18"/> || 644<ref name=ITNSource18/> || Championship of Champions III aired on 22<ref name=ITNSource17/>–30 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/30/Y21760606/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature Cathy Hytner as 'Letters Girl'. |- | '''14''' || 5 October 1987<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/10/05/Y21760650/ |title=Countdown (Series 14, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 25 December 1987<ref name=ITNSource19>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/12/25/Y21760712/ |title=Countdown (Series 14, Episode 63) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 63<ref name=ITNSource19/> || 707<ref name=ITNSource19/> || First series to feature Karen Loughlin as 'Letters Girl'. |- | '''15''' || 11 April 1988<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/04/11/Y21760713/ |title=Countdown (Series 15, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 17 June 1988<ref name=ITNSource20>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/06/17/Y21760762/ |title=Countdown (Series 15, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource20/> || 757<ref name=ITNSource20/> || |- | '''16''' || 20 June 1988<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/06/20/Y21760763/ |title=Countdown (Series 16, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 September 1988<ref name=ITNSource21>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/09/02/Y21760817/ |title=Countdown (Series 16, Episode 55) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 55<ref name=ITNSource21/> || 812<ref name=ITNSource21/> || Last series to feature Karen Loughlin as 'Letters Girl'. |- | '''17''' || 2 January 1989<ref name=ITNSource22>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/01/02/Y21760818/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 17 March 1989<ref name=ITNSource23>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/03/17/Y21760872/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 55) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 55<ref name="ITNSource23"/> || 867<ref name="ITNSource23"/> || Championship of Champions IV aired on 2<ref name=ITNSource22/>–10 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/01/10/Y21760824/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature the Pastel set. Only series to feature Lucy Summers as 'Letters Girl' and last series to have used that concept. |- | '''18''' || 10 July 1989<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/07/10/Y21760873/ |title=Countdown (Series 18, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 13 October 1989<ref name=ITNSource24>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/10/13/Y21760942/ |title=Countdown (Series 18, Episode 70) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 70<ref name=ITNSource24/> || 937<ref name=ITNSource24/> ||First series to feature the wooden set and to have Carol Vorderman placing both letters and numbers on the board. |- | '''19''' || 1 January 1990<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/01/01/Y21760943/ |title=Countdown (Series 19, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 30 March 1990<ref name=ITNSource25>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/03/30/Y21761007/ |title=Countdown (Series 19, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource25/> || 1,002<ref name=ITNSource25/> || 1,000th episode aired on 28 March. |- | '''20''' || 2 July 1990<ref name=ITNSource26>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/07/02/Y21761008/ |title=Countdown (Series 20, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 September 1990<ref name=ITNSource27>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/09/28/Y21761072/ |title=Countdown (Series 20, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource27/> || 1,067<ref name=ITNSource27/> || |- | '''21''' || 2 February 1991<ref name=ITNSource28>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/12/31/Y21761073/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 March 1991<ref name=ITNSource29>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/03/29/Y21761137/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource29/> || 1,132<ref name=ITNSource29/> || Championship of Champions V aired on 31 December<ref name=ITNSource28/>–8 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/01/08/Y21761079/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature the wooden set and to feature rematches in the case of tied games. |- | '''22''' || 1 July 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/07/01/Y21761138/ |title=Countdown (Series 22, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 September 1991<ref name=ITNSource30>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/09/26/Y21761202/ |title=Countdown (Series 22, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource30/> || 1,197<ref name=ITNSource30/> || First series to feature the red Wings set and to feature tie-break conundrums. |- | '''23''' || 30 December 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/12/30/Y21761203/ |title=Countdown (Series 23, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 March 1992<ref name=ITNSource31>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/03/27/Y21761267/ |title=Countdown (Series 23, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource31/> || 1,262<ref name=ITNSource31/> || |- | '''24''' || 29 June 1992<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/06/29/Y21761268/ |title=Countdown (Series 24, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 25 September 1992<ref name=ITNSource32>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/09/25/Y21761332/ |title=Countdown (Series 24, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource32/> || 1,327<ref name=ITNSource32/> || First series to feature Susie Dent as lexicographer. |- | '''25''' || 4 January 1993<ref name=ITNSource33>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/01/04/Y21761333/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 April 1993<ref name=ITNSource34>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/04/02/Y21761397/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource34/> || 1,392<ref name=ITNSource34/> || Championship of Champions VI aired on 4<ref name=ITNSource33/>–12 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/01/12/Y21761339/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> |- | '''26''' || 5 July 1993<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/07/05/Y21761398/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 1 October 1993<ref name=ITNSource35>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/10/01/Y21761462/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource35/> || 1,457<ref name=ITNSource35/> || |- | '''27''' || 3 January 1994<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/01/03/Y21761463/ |title=Countdown (Series 27, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 1 April 1994<ref name=ITNSource36>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/04/01/Y21761527/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource36/> || 1,522<ref name=ITNSource36/> || 1,500th episode aired on 2 March. |- | '''28''' || 4 July 1994<ref name=ITNSource37>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/07/04/Y21761528/ |title=Countdown (Series 28, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 30 September 1994<ref name=ITNSource38>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/09/30/Y21761592/ |title=Countdown (Series 28, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource38/> || 1,587<ref name=ITNSource38/> || |- | '''29''' || 2 January 1995<ref name=ITNSource39>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/01/02/Y21761593/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 31 March 1995<ref name=ITNSource40>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/03/31/Y21761657/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource40/> || 1,652<ref name=ITNSource40/> || Championship of Champions VII aired on 2<ref name=ITNSource39/>–10 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/01/10/Y21761599/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> |- | '''30''' || 3 July 1995<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/07/03/Y21761658/ |title=Countdown (Series 30, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 September 1995<ref name=ITNSource41>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/09/29/Y21761722/ |title=Countdown (Series 30, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource41/> || 1,717<ref name=ITNSource41/> || Last series to feature the red Wings set. |- | '''31''' || 1 January 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/01/01/Y21761723/ |title=Countdown (Series 31, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 March 1996<ref name=ITNSource42>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/03/29/Y21761787/ |title=Countdown (Series 31, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource42/> || 1,782<ref name=ITNSource42/> || First series to feature the purple Wings set with the Extra Intensity clock music being used for the first twelve episodes. |- | '''32''' || 1 July 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/07/01/Y21761788/ |title=Countdown (Series 32, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 September 1996<ref name=ITNSource43>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/09/27/Y21761852/ |title=Countdown (Series 32, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource43/> || 1,847<ref name=ITNSource43/> || |- | '''33''' || 30 September 1996<ref name=ITNSource44>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/09/30/Y21761853/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 20 December 1996<ref name=ITNSource45>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/12/20/Y21761912/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 60) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 60<ref name=ITNSource45/> || 1,907<ref name=ITNSource45/> || Championship of Champions VIII aired on 30 September<ref name=ITNSource44/>–8 October<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/10/08/Y21761859/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> the remainder of series was the Supreme Championship. |- | '''34''' || 30 December 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/12/30/Y21761913/ |title=Countdown (Series 34, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 March 1997<ref name=ITNSource46>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/03/28/Y21761977/ |title=Countdown (Series 34, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource46/> || 1,972<ref name=ITNSource46/> || |- | '''35''' || 31 March 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/03/31/Y21761978/ |title=Countdown (Series 35, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 June 1997<ref name=ITNSource47>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/06/27/Y21762043/ |title=Countdown (Series 35, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource47/> || 2,037<ref name=ITNSource47/> || 2,000th episode aired on 7 May featuring William G. Stewart. |- | '''36''' || 30 June 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/06/30/Y21762044/ |title=Countdown (Series 36, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 26&nbsp;September 1997<ref name=ITNSource48>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/09/26/Y21762108/ |title=Countdown (Series 36, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource48/> || 2,102<ref name=ITNSource48/> || |- | '''37''' || 29&nbsp;September 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/09/29/Y21762109/ |title=Countdown (Series 37, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 December 1997<ref name=ITNSource49>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/12/19/Y21762168/ |title=Countdown (Series 37, Episode 60) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 60<ref name=ITNSource49/> || 2,162<ref name=ITNSource49/> || Last series to run for three months and the first series to have the Champion's and Challenger's chairs. |- | '''38''' || 29 December 1997<ref name=ITNSource50>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/12/29/Y21762170/ |title=Countdown (Series 38, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 26 June 1998 || 130 || 2,292 || Championship of Champions IX aired from 29 December<ref name="ITNSource50"/> to 16 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1998/01/16/Y21762184/ |title=Countdown (Series 38, Episode 15) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> First series to run for six months. |- | '''39''' || 29 June 1998 || 25 December 1998 || 130 || 2,422 || |- | '''40''' || 28 December 1998 || 25 June 1999 || 130 || 2,552 || |- | '''41''' || 28 June 1999 || 25 December 1999 || 121 || 2,673 || Last series to feature the purple Wings set. |- | '''42''' || 27 December 1999 || 23 June 2000 || 124 || 2,797 || Championship of Champions X aired on 27–31 December. First series to feature the orange Wings set as well as the green score displays and target display on CECIL. |- | '''43''' || 26 June 2000 || 25 December 2000 || 114 || 2,911 || 18th Birthday episode aired on 2 November. |- | '''44''' || 26 December 2000 || 29 June 2001 || 131 || 3,042 || 3,000th episode aired on 27 April. |- | '''45''' || 2 July 2001 || 21 September 2001 || 43 || 3,085 || Last series to use the 9-round-format and 30-minute runtime. |- | '''46''' || 24 September 2001 || 25 December 2001 || 67 || 3,152 || First series to use the original 15-round-format and 45-minute runtime. |- | '''47''' || 26 January 2002 || 28 June 2002 || 127 || 3,279 || Junior Championship aired on 12–14 March. |- | '''48''' || 1 July 2002 || 20 December 2002 || 110 || 3,389 || Last series to feature the orange Wings set. |- | '''49''' || 6 January 2003 || 27 June 2003 || 122 || 3,511 || Championship of Champions XI aired on 6–24 January and Ladies' Championship aired on 11–13 March. First series to feature the pink and purple striped set. |- | '''50''' || 30 June 2003 || 19 December 2003 || 103 || 3,614 || |- | '''51''' || 5 January 2004 || 25 June 2004 || 114 || 3,728 || |- | '''52''' || 28 June 2004 || 17 December 2004 || 112 || 3,840 || |- | '''53''' || 4 January 2005 || 1 July 2005 || 119 || 3,959 || Last series to be hosted by Richard Whiteley, he died on 26 June 2005 after the last few shows were in post-production. |- | '''54''' || 31 October 2005 || 26 May 2006 || 153 || 4,112 || rowspan="2"| [[Des Lynam]] || First series to be hosted by Des Lynam. 4,000th episode aired on 4 January. Saturday episodes aired between 7 January and 8 April. |- | '''55''' || 29 May 2006 || 22 December 2006 || 150 || 4,262 || Championship of Champions XII aired on 29 May–16 June. Last series to be hosted by Des Lynam. |- | '''56''' || 2 January 2007 || 22 June 2007 || 120 || 4,382 || rowspan="4"| [[Des O'Connor]] || First series to be hosted by Des O'Connor. |- | '''57''' || 25 June 2007 || 21 December 2007 || 126 || 4,508 || 25th Birthday episode aired on 2 November. |- | '''58''' || 2 January 2008 || 20 June 2008 || 119 || 4,627 || |- | '''59''' || 23 June 2008 || 12 December 2008 || 105 || 4,732 || Last series to be hosted by Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman, also the last series to feature the pink and purple striped set. |- | '''60''' || 12 January 2009 || 19 June 2009 || 111 || 4,843 || rowspan="6"| [[Jeff Stelling]] || Championship of Champions XIII aired on 12–30 January. First series to be hosted by Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley, also the first series to feature the original blue set and the last series filmed at the Yorkshire Television Studios in Leeds. |- | '''61''' || 22 June 2009 || 18 December 2009 || 110 || 4,953 || First series filmed at the Granada Studios in Manchester. |- | '''62''' || 11 January 2010 || 18 June 2010 || 110 || 5,063 || 5,000th episode aired on 23 March. |- | '''63''' || 21 June 2010 || 17 December 2010 || 115 || 5,178 || Last series to allow contestants under the age of 16 to participate on the show. |- | '''64''' || 10 January 2011 || 3 June 2011 || 100 || 5,278 || |- | '''65''' || 6 June 2011 || 16 December 2011 || 120 || 5,398 || Last series to be hosted by Jeff Stelling. |- | '''66''' || 9 January 2012 || 29 June 2012 || 119 || 5,517 || rowspan="18"|[[Nick Hewer]] || First series to be hosted by Nick Hewer. |- | '''67''' || 2 July 2012 || 21 December 2012 || 97 || 5,614 || Last series to be filmed at the Granada Studios in Manchester as well as the last to feature the original 15-round-format and have the green score displays and target display on CECIL. |- | '''68''' || 7 January 2013 || 28 June 2013 || 107 || 5,721 || 30th Birthday Championship aired on 7 January–1 March. First series to be filmed at MediaCityUK in Salford as well as the first to feature the blue score displays and target display on CECIL, starting on 21 January<ref> https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_5625</ref> and the new 15-round format starting on 25 March.<ref> https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_5666</ref> |- | '''69''' || 1 July 2013 || 20 December 2013 || 118 || 5,839 || |- | '''70''' || 6 January 2014 || 27 June 2014 || 107 || 5,946 || Last series to use a paper dictionary for word adjudication. |- | '''71''' || 30 June 2014 || 19 December 2014 || 110 || 6,056 || {{nowrap|6,000th episode aired on 16 October.}} First series to use ODO (Oxford Dictionary Online) for word adjudication. |- | '''72''' || 5 January 2015 || 12 June 2015 || 100 || 6,156 || |- | '''73''' || 15 June 2015 || 23 December 2015 || 121 || 6,277 || |- | '''74''' || 4 January 2016 || 24 June 2016 || 107 || 6,384 || Championship of Champions XIV aired on 4–22 January. |- | '''75''' || 27 June 2016 || 23 December 2016 || 109 || 6,493 || Last series to be affected by horse racing which moved to ITV on 1 January 2017. |- | '''76''' || 3 January 2017 || 30 June 2017 || 121 || 6,614 || Last series to feature the original blue set. |- | '''77''' || 3 July 2017 || 22 December 2017 || 122 || 6,736 || First series to feature the new blue set. |- | '''78''' || 2 January 2018 || 22 June 2018 || 117 || 6,853 || |- | '''79''' || 25 June 2018 || 21 December 2018 || 126 || 6,979 || |- | '''80''' || 2 January 2019 || 28 June 2019 || 128 || 7,107 || Championship of Champions XV aired on 2–22 January. 7,000th episode aired on 29 January. |- | '''81''' || 1 July 2019 || 20 December 2019 || 124 || 7,231 || |- | '''82''' || 2 January 2020 || 18 December 2020 || 182{{efn|Series 82 consisted of 182 episodes, but the episode that was due to be broadcast on 24 March was pulled from the schedules because of a comment made by Nick Hewer that could have been deemed insensitive in relation to the pandemic.}} || 7,413 || This series was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a hiatus on 4 May–7 August. Three special episodes were broadcast on 21–23 December which were guest-hosted by Colin Murray. Former host Des O'Connor died on 14 November 2020 and the episode aired on 16 November was dedicated to his memory. |- | '''83''' || 4 January 2021 || 25 June 2021 || 125 || 7,538 || Last series to be hosted by Nick Hewer. Colin Murray presented the episodes on 13 January–9 February and 3–16 March as Nick Hewer shielded at home because of the second COVID-19 lockdown and after he was vaccinated, both of which occurred during this series' recording. |- | '''84''' || 28 June 2021 || 23 December 2021 || 128 || 7,666 || rowspan="2"| [[Anne Robinson]] || First series to be hosted by Anne Robinson and have two different mathematicians as Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon stood in for Rachel Riley at the end of the series due to the latter departing for maternity leave. On 10 September, Trevor McDonald guest presented a special episode as part of Channel 4's ''Black To Front Day'' with Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon and Lemn Sissay as lexicographer. |- | '''85''' || 3 January 2022 || 17 June 2022 || 120 || 7,786 || Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon continued as mathematician until 14 March with Rachel Riley returning the following day. Last full series to be hosted by Anne Robinson. |- | '''86''' || 20 June 2022 || 23 December 2022 || 135 || 7,921 || [[Anne Robinson]] and [[Colin Murray]] || Only series to have more than one official host. Anne Robinson departed the show on 13 July and Colin Murray replaced her as the host on 14 July. Guest hosts took over Murray's hosting duties on 31 October–25 November as part of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations with Floella Benjamin on 31 October–4 November, Richard Coles on 7–11 November, Trevor McDonald 14–18 November and Moira Stuart on 21–25 November. Les Dennis hosted on 4–15 August and Jenny Eclair hosted on 16–19 August because Colin Murray tested positive for COVID-19. |- | '''87''' || 2 January 2023 || 29 June 2023 || 129 || 8,050 || rowspan="4" | [[Colin Murray]] || Championship of Champions XVI aired on 2–20 January. 8,000th episode aired on 20 April. First full series to be hosted by Colin Murray who was announced as the new permanent host on 11 January. Ended prematurely due to Rachel Riley falling ill during a recording. |- | '''88''' || 30 June 2023 || 22 December 2023 || 126 || 8,176 || Featured former host [[Jeff Stelling]] as a guest in Dictionary Corner on 21–25 August. |- | '''89''' || 2 January 2024 || 28 June 2024 || 129 || 8,305 || The theme tune was played on piano on 29 April–3 May to promote Series 2 of ''The Piano''. |- | '''90''' || 1 July 2024 || 20 December 2024 || 125 || 8,430 || |- <!--| '''91''' || 2025 || 2025 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''92''' || 2025 || 2025 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''93''' || 2026 || 2026 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''94''' || 2026 || 2026 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''95''' || 2027 || 2027 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''96''' || 2027 || 2027 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''97''' || 2028 || 2028 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''98''' || 2028 || 2028 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''99''' || 2029 || 2029 || TBA || TBA || |- | '''100''' || 2029 || 2029 || TBA || TBA ||--> |} ===Masters=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! Series !! Start date !! End date !! Episodes !! Presenter |- | '''1''' || 3 April 1989 || 30 March 1990 || 52 || rowspan="2"|[[Richard Whiteley]] |- | '''2''' || 2 April 1990 || 29 March 1991 || 52 |} ===Celebrity=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! Series !! Start date !! End date !! Episodes !! Presenter |- | '''1''' || 23 April 1998 || 18 June 1998 || 8 || [[Richard Whiteley]] |- | '''2''' || 12 November 2019 || 9 January 2020 || 6 || [[Nick Hewer]] |} ===Specials=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! Date !! Special !! Presenter |- | 25 December 1997<ref name="ITNSourceCS">{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/12/25/Y21762169/ |title=Countdown (Christmas Special) |publisher=[[ITN Source]] |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || Christmas Special<ref name="ITNSourceCS"/> || [[William G. Stewart]] |- | 26 May 2003 || Husband & Wife || rowspan="23"|[[Richard Whiteley]] |- | 25 July 2003 || Replayed Series 40 Final |- | 4 August 2003 || High Scoring Losers |- | 18 August 2003 || Maths Teachers |- | 25 August 2003 || Solicitors |- | 2 September 2003 || Clergymen |- | 3 September 2003 || Scrabble Masters |- | 8 September 2003 || Replayed Series 31 Final |- | 9 September 2003 || Champions of Champions IX & X |- | 10 September 2003 || Police Officers |- | 11 September 2003 || High Scoring Losers II |- | 12 September 2003 || Series 47 & 48 Champions |- | 15 March 2004 || Publicans |- | 19 March 2004 || Father & Daughter |- | 14 June 2004 || Replayed Series 35 Final |- | 26 July 2004 || Replayed Series 39 Final |- | 2 August 2004 || Aficionados |- | 13 August 2004 || Replayed Series 37 Final |- | 23 August 2004 || Mother & Son |- | 30 August 2004 || Starlets |- | 20 December 2004 || Brothers |- | 25 March 2005 || Cabaret Entertainers |- | 30 May 2005 || Starlets |- | 15 March 2010 || Series 60 & 61 Champions || rowspan="6"|[[Jeff Stelling]] |- | 26 July 2010 || High Scoring Losers III |- | 2 August 2010 || Young Stars |- | 16 August 2010 || Replayed Series 59 Final |- | 14 March 2011 || Deciding Special |- | 25 July 2011 || Female Finalists |- | 12 March 2012 || Sister & Brother || rowspan="12"|[[Nick Hewer]] |- | 30 July 2012 || Series 64 & 65 Champions |- | 13 September 2012 || Female Winners |- | 14 September 2012 || Husband & Wife |- | 28 September 2012 || Male Finalists |- | 2 July 2013 || Lovebirds |- | 12 December 2014 || Battle of the Bobbys |- | 22 December 2014 || Senior Females |- | 23 December 2014 || Battle of the Mc's |- | 6 April 2015 || Sisters |- | 10 April 2015 || Law & Order |- | 8 May 2015 || Veterans |- | 21 December 2020 || Battle of Bingley || rowspan="3"|[[Colin Murray]] |- | 22 December 2020 || Series 63 & 69 Champions |- | 23 December 2020 || All-time greats |} ==Spin-offs== * ''Countdown Masters'' was a regular spot within ''[[The Channel Four Daily]]'' from 1989 to 1992. It had the same hosts and rules as the standard game but was played in shorter chunks. It was abbreviated: for example, the letters were chosen all in one go as "x vowels and y consonants". * ''[[8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown]]'' has comedian [[Jimmy Carr]] as host and team captains [[Jon Richardson]] and [[Sean Lock]] (until his death in 2021) as regular contestants. Susie Dent and Rachel Riley fill their normal roles. It uses similar rules to the standard game, but has a strong comedy element, a reduced amount of rounds and is two against two. It began in 2012 and continues airing new episodes; as of 6 January 2023, 152 episodes of ''8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown'' have aired. * ''Celebrity Countdown'' has celebrities competing on the show without the cast of ''[[8 Out of 10 Cats]]'' and with its usual presenters. Only two series have broadcast; Series 1 in 1998 and Series 2 in 2019. ==See also== * [[List of Countdown champions|List of ''Countdown'' champions]] * [[Des chiffres et des lettres#International versions|International versions of ''Countdown'']] ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{reflist}} * '''Countdown: Spreading the Word''' (Granada Media, 2001) {{ISBN|0-233-99976-0}} ==External links== {{Spoken Wikipedia|Countdown (Game Show).ogg|date=15 July 2007}} {{Wikiquote|Countdown (game show)}} {{Commons and category|Countdown (game show)|Countdown (game show)}} * {{Channel4.com|programmes/countdown}} * {{IMDb title|0138228}} * {{Screenonline TV title|1295696}} * {{UKGameshow|Countdown}} * [http://www.thecountdownpage.com/ The Countdown Page], results from every game up to 16 December 2011 * [http://wiki.apterous.org/Main_Page The Countdown Wiki] * [http://www.alliot.fr/fcompte.html.en An analysis of the game] based on a scientific [https://arxiv.org/abs/1502.05450 article] published at the [https://easychair.org/smart-program/GCAI2015/accepted-detailed.html#sub20 2015 Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence] {{Countdown (game show)}} [[Category:Countdown (game show)| ]] [[Category:1982 British television series debuts]] [[Category:1980s British game shows]] [[Category:1990s British game shows]] [[Category:2000s British game shows]] [[Category:2010s British game shows]] [[Category:2020s British game shows]] [[Category:Channel 4 game shows]] [[Category:British English-language television shows]] [[Category:Television series by ITV Studios]] [[Category:Television series by Yorkshire Television]]'