Countdown (game show) Stelling was confirmed as the new host, with Oxford graduate Rachel Riley in the Vorderman role. It was announced on 24 May 2011 that Stelling would be leaving the programme, and he presented his final show on 16 December 2011. On 16 November 2011, it was announced that Nick Hewer would be taking over as host, with his first show broadcast on 9 January 2012. "Countdown" quickly established cult status within British television – an image which it maintains today, despite numerous changes of rules and personnel. The programme's audience comprises mainly students, homemakers and pensioners, owing to the "teatime"
Hot30 Countdown over the "Hot30 Countdown" from 2004 after Sandilands and Jackie O moved to the drive-time slot. A previously unknown announcer "Higgo" stepped in after Labrat took the morning shift on 2DayFM. Alexis and Higgo hosted the nightly show until 2005, when Craig "Lowie" Low came in to host the program until mid-2006. Low occasionally included Carla "Biggzy" Bignasca as co-host who was the executive producer of the show from the middle of 2006. "Hot30 Countdown" phased out the national promotion of the Black Thunders in early 2005, across the Today Network. Sam "Sam Mac" McMillan and Bignasca hosted the show