Countdown (game show) television continuously since 1965. "Countdown" was initially recorded at The Leeds Studios for 27 years, before moving to Manchester-based Granada Studios in 2009. Following the development of MediaCityUK, Countdown moved again in 2013 to the new purpose build studios at Dock10, Greater Manchester. The programme was presented by Richard Whiteley for over 20 years, until his sudden death in June 2005. It was then presented by Des Lynam until the end of 2006, Des O'Connor until the end of 2008, and Jeff Stelling until the end of 2011; Nick Hewer has presented the show since 2012. Carol Vorderman, the show's
Countdown (game show) would succeed Lynam as host. Lynam's final show as "Countdown" presenter was broadcast on 22 December 2006. O'Connor first presented Countdown on 2 January 2007. The other studio mainstay is Dictionary Corner, which houses a lexicographer and that week's celebrity guest (referred to as "GoD" or "Guardian of the Dictionaries"). Initially farmer and broadcaster Ted Moult was on hand for verification. The role of the lexicographer is to verify the words offered by the contestants (see "Letters round rules") and point out any longer or otherwise interesting words available. The lexicographer is aided in finding these words by the show's