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
Michael Barratt (television presenter) to the UK, he worked as a production journalist on several English regional newspapers including a period at the "Wolverhampton Express & Star". At the same time, he contributed regularly to the BBC World Service and began a freelance television reporting career, initially on the Midlands regional current affairs magazine "Scan". He became a reporter on the BBC current affairs programmes "Midlands Today", going on to present "Panorama", then "24 Hours". He was a "Nationwide" presenter from 1969 to 1977. He was also chairman of BBC Radio 4's "Gardeners' Question Time" from 1973 to 1977. He was also a presenter