Countdown (game show) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Countdown |
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|---|---|
| Created by | Armand Jammot |
| Presented by | Nick Hewer (2012–) Jeff Stelling (2009–11) Des O'Connor (2007–08) Des Lynam (2005–06) William G. Stewart (1997, (2000th Edition)) Richard Whiteley (1982–2005) |
| Starring | Susie Dent (1992–) Rachel Riley (2009–) Carol Vorderman (1982–2008) |
| Theme music composer | Alan Hawkshaw |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 77 (Regular) 2 (Masters) 1 (Celebrity) 79 (overall) |
| No. of episodes | 6,523 (as of 20 February 2017) (inc. 42 specials) 104 (Masters) 8 (Celebrity) / |
| Production | |
| Production location(s) | MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester (2013–) Granada Studios, Manchester (2009–12) The Leeds Studios, Leeds (1982–2009) |
| Camera setup | Multiple-camera setup |
| Running time | 36 mins (excluding adverts) 45 mins (including, 2001–) 24 mins (excluding adverts) 30 mins (including, 1982–2001) |
| Production company(s) | ITV Studios (2009–) Granada Productions (2003–09) Yorkshire Television (1982–2005) |
| Release | |
| Original network | Channel 4 S4C (1982–2010) (Wales) |
| Picture format | HD 1080i (2013–) (1999–) 4:3 (1982–99) |
| Original release | 2 November 1982 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (2012–) |
Countdown is a super popular British TV game show. It's all about solving fun word and number puzzles! It's made by ITV Studios and you can watch it on Channel 4. The show is currently hosted by Nick Hewer, with Rachel Riley helping out, and Susie Dent as the word expert.
Countdown was the very first show ever shown on Channel 4, starting way back on November 2, 1982. With over 6,500 episodes, it's one of the longest-running game shows in the whole world! It's similar to the French show Des chiffres et des lettres (Numbers & Letters), which has been on TV since 1965.
The show was first filmed in The Leeds Studios for 27 years. Then, in 2009, it moved to Granada Studios in Manchester. Since 2013, Countdown has been filmed at MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.
Contents
Meet the Presenters
The show has had several hosts over the years. The first presenter was Richard Whiteley, who hosted for more than 20 years. Sadly, he passed away in 2005.
After Richard, Des Lynam took over until 2006. Then, Des O'Connor hosted until the end of 2008, followed by Jeff Stelling until 2011. Since 2012, Nick Hewer has been the main presenter.
The show's co-host, Carol Vorderman, was also on the programme from the very beginning. She left in December 2008. Rachel Riley then took her place.
How to Play Countdown
In each episode, two contestants compete in three different types of challenges. There's also a special celebrity guest who appears in every show. They provide a short break in the middle of the programme.
The Letters Round
This is a word game! Contestants try to make the longest word possible. They pick nine letters randomly. These letters are shown on a board.
Players have 30 seconds to find the best word they can. The person who finds the longest valid word gets points. If both find the same longest word, they both get points.
The Numbers Round
This round is all about maths! Contestants need to use arithmetic to reach a specific target number. Six other numbers are chosen randomly.
Players have 30 seconds to add, subtract, multiply, or divide the chosen numbers. They must use each number only once. The goal is to get as close as possible to the target number.
The Conundrum
The Conundrum is a quick-thinking round. It's a nine-letter anagram that both contestants try to solve. The letters are mixed up, and they need to figure out the hidden word.
This is a buzzer round. The first contestant to buzz in with the correct word wins the points. It's often the most exciting part of the show!
Winning and Finals
During the regular games, the winning contestant comes back the next day. They keep playing until they either lose a game or win eight games in a row. A contestant who wins eight times is called an "Octochamp."
The best eight contestants from each series are invited back for the series finals. These finals are played in a knockout style. This means if you lose, you're out!
Contestants who are really good at Countdown sometimes even get attention in the news! The show is very well-known and often joked about in British culture.
Images for kids
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A Countdown teapot is awarded to any contestant who wins a game.
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The studio used from 2003 and 2008 before the start of a game
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The studio used from 2009 until 2012, after the end of a game
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