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) the show, he hit the button to reveal the conundrum and kept his old habit up. Contestants who have or had become notable for other reasons include "Nuts" magazine editor-at-large Pete Cashmore, rugby player Ayoola Erinle, footballers Neil MacKenzie, Clarke Carlisle and Matt Le Tissier, musicians Jon Marsh and Nick Saloman, comedian Alex Horne, and noted Irish playwright Peter Sheridan. "Countdown" is often referenced and parodied in British culture. The "Doctor Who" episode "Bad Wolf" (2005) mentions a futuristic version of "Countdown", in which the goal is to stop a bomb from exploding in 30 seconds. "Countdown" was referenced again