Countdown host dies

Countdown is a UK TV words and numbers game, based on the French original, "Des Chiffres et Des Lettres", and was the first programme broadcast on Channel 4, on November 2nd, 1982.

Countdown series 89

It is produced by ITV Studios at MediaCity in Salford, England, although until the middle of 2009, almost every edition was made in the Yorkshire Television studios at Leeds. The programme is presented by Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley.

Until July 2005, it was hosted by the late Richard Whiteley. It was presented by Des Lynam from October 2005 to December 2006; by Des O'Connor from January 2007 to December 2008; and by Jeff Stelling from January 2009 to December 2011.

Carol Vorderman appeared in almost every edition of the show from November 1982 before leaving at the end of 2008.

Apart from occasional breaks for sporting events and at Christmas, Countdown is normally aired on Channel 4 from Monday to Friday at 2.10 p.m. with repeats an hour later on Channel 4+1 and the following weekday at approximately 6 a.m.

(also on Channel 4).