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
Brian Dowling (presenter) Brian Dowling (presenter) Brian Patrick Robert Dowling (born 13 June 1978) is an Irish television presenter and former reality television contestant who rose to fame after being crowned the winner of the second series of UK reality show "Big Brother" in 2001. He also won "Ultimate Big Brother" in 2010. In 2007, he came third in "Hell's Kitchen" and in 2008 he was runner-up in the Irish reality television series "Fáilte Towers". Dowling guest-presented "Live from Studio Five" alongside Kate Walsh from 2010 until its cancellation in February 2011. On 22 July 2011, it was confirmed that Dowling would become