Countdown (1982– )

The long-running words and numbers game.

Stars:

Carol Vorderman, Richard Whiteley, Susie Dent

2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Carol Vorderman	...	Herself - Hostess (4756 episodes, 1982-2008)
Richard Whiteley	...	Himself - Host (3983 episodes, 1982-2005)
Susie Dent	...	Herself - Lexicographer (2366 episodes, 1992-2012)

Storyline

The long-running words and numbers game.

---

Plot Keywords:

number game | math whiz | word game | dictionary | anagram | 

---

Genres:

Game-Show

---

Details

Official Sites:

Channel 4 [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 November 1982 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Yorkshire Television Studios, Studio Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Yorkshire Television (YTV)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min 30 min (1982-2001) 45 min (2001-)

Sound Mix:

Mono Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The very last letter Carol Vorderman ever put on the letters board was a "T" in her last episode.

---

Connections

Referenced in 500 Bus Stops (1997)

User Reviews

A new host for this series

After nearly being axed, Channel 4 chose Des Lynam as the new host of Countdown to replace the much missed Richard Whiteley after his most unexpected death. Though not the same as Richard, Des isn't too bad.

Richard hosted from episode 1 which was screened way back in 1982 and was at first only intended to run for a few weeks. He hadn't missed an episode until he went down with pneumonia in May 2005 and there were to be guest presenters until his return, but that never did happen.

Richard was of course noted for his bad jokes and bright coloured ties. I often used to watch Countdown when I got home from school back in the 1980's/1990's and only occasionally watch it now.