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

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.

Comedian Colin Murray is the latest into the host’s chair, taking over from Anne Robinson – who spent a year at the helm before announcing in May 2022 that she was quitting.

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:

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.

He announced he was leaving in December of 2019, and his last episode was broadcast on Friday June 25 2020.

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

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

‘Worryingly, Susie Dent and 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.’

Anne announced in May 2022 she was quitting the show after just one year, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family as well as at her home in New York.

‘I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins,’ she shared, announcing her exit from the gameshow.

‘I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention,’

Colin Murray (2022-)