Countdown (game show)
By 1982, after an additional pilot episode was made with a refined format, an episode that was never broadcast - the show was bought up by Channel 4, a new British television channel set to launch in November 1982, based on the refined concept. While Whiteley and Hytner from the original cast were retained, the programme was renamed Countdown, with the format was expanded to include additional members in the hosting team, including letters and number experts. An additional spin-off to the programme for young contestants was proposed at the same time, dubbed Junior Countdown, the concept would be similar in format, but with it hosted by Gyles Brandreth and Ted Moult, but while a pilot was created, the proposal was abandoned after it was found to be highly flawed. Instead, the production staff opted to allow contestants of differing ages, young and old, to participate on Countdown.