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
Jeff Stelling new host of the Channel 4 game show "Countdown" following the departure of Des O'Connor. He had reportedly also been approached for the role following the death of long-time host Richard Whiteley, but the role was given to former fellow sports presenter Des Lynam instead. Stelling began recording "Countdown" in December 2008, with the show's new assistant Rachel Riley, and started broadcasting in January 2009. He also appears during an episode of "The IT Crowd" in the same role. However, it was announced on 25 May 2011 that Stelling would be stepping down as presenter of "Countdown" at the end