When did Countdown start and how many hosts have there been?

Anne Robinson is joining the show (Picture: PA)

Weekday afternoons on Channel 4 wouldn’t be the same without a spot of Countdown.

The show, which is the longest-running on the channel, is showing no signs of going anywhere soon as a steady stream of contestants line up to show off their letters and numbers prowess.

Former The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson is taking over from Nick Hewer, meaning the show will have an all-female line-up for the first time.

But how how long has the show been on screens, and who has hosted it before?

Here’s all you need to know about the daytime institution…

When did Countdown start?

The show was the first programme ever to be screened on Channel 4, launching the station on November 2 1982 at 4.45pm.

Although the presenters and experts might have changed over the years, the format of the show has remained the same.

Contestants have to compete against each other in a series of letters rounds – in which they have to see who can form the longest word from nine letters chosen at random, in a 30-second time period (hence the ‘countdown’ bit)

There are also two ‘numbers rounds’ – in which they have to use their maths skills to get as close as they can to a target figure, using a selection of numbers chosen at random and in the same space of time.

The show also features the Countdown ‘conundrum’ – a nine letter word jumbled up – which they have to try and guess in 30 seconds.

How many hosts has it had?

A number of people have stepped up to host Countdown over the years – they are as follows:

The longest-serving Countdown presenter was Richard Whiteley (Picture: Getty)

Richard Whiteley (1982-2005)

The original and longest-running host of the show, Whiteley left after falling ill with septicaemia in 2005 – and died in June of that year following surgery for a heart problem.

Des Lynam (2005-2006)

Sports presenter Des took over the show after Whiteley’s death, but only stayed for a year before departing at Christmas 2006.

Des O’Connor (2007-2008)

Another Des – this time veteran entertainer Des O’Connor – took over where Lynam had left off, spending almost two years at the helm before he left at the end of 2008.

Jeff Stelling hosted the show for three years (Picture: Getty)

Jeff Stelling (2008-2011)

Jeff is better known for his work on Sky Sports as host of Gillette Soccer Saturday – but he took time away from the football to present Countdown until 2011.

Nick Hewer (2012- 2021)

Lord Sugar’s former right-hand man on The Apprentice is now a game show host, having become the longest-serving Countdown presenter since Richard Whiteley.

He announced he was leaving in December of 2019, and his last episode was broadcast on Friday June 25.

Anne Robinson (2021 – present)

Anne Robinson is probably best known for hosting BBC game show The Weakest Link, which ran from 2000 to 2012 – and her acerbic wit.

Speaking about her appointment, she said ‘the show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. I am particularly excited to be working alongside the Show’s two other formidable women.’

‘Worryingly, Susie Dent and Rachel Riley are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me. Sadly, there’s no time for another facelift so I’ll have make do with this old one.’

When is Countdown on?

The show currently airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 2.10pm.

MORE : Countdown’s Nick Hewer stunned by surprise message from Lord Alan Sugar on his final day: ‘You’re retired!’

MORE : Countdown’s Anne Robinson says ‘stupid’ TV boss told her not to do signature wink: ‘So I’ve done it ever since’

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