Count down is a game show involving word and number puzzles. It is produced by ITV Studios and broadcast on Channel 4. It is introduced by Nick Hewer, aided by Rachel Riley, together with Routine lexicographer Susie Dent. This had been the first programme to be aired on Channel 4, and 67 series were broadcast since its debut on 2. With episodes, Countdown is one of the longest-running game shows from the world, in addition to the French edition et des lettres, which has been running since 1965 continuously on television. Before proceeding to Granada Studios Last Year, and then around to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays in 2013, Count down was recorded for 27 years in The Leeds Studios. The plan has been presented by Richard Whiteley for 20 decades, until his death in June 2005. It was introduced by Des Lynam until the end of 2011 until the end of 2006, Des O'Connor until the end of 2008, along with Jeff Stelling. The presenter is Nick Hewer. The show was, left by carol Vorderman, the show's co-host, who had previously been on the programme since it began from December 2008, at exactly the exact same time as O'Connor. She had been replaced by Rachel Riley. Every programme is featured in by A star guest, and provides a short interlude. Both contestants in each episode compete in three areas: eleven letters rounds, in which the contestants attempt to really help make the longest sentence possible from nine randomly chosen letters. Three numbers rounds, in which the contestants must use arithmetic to accomplish a objective number that is random . And the conundrum, a buzzer around where the contestants compete to address a anagram. During the string heats, the contestant returns the very next day until he or she loses or has collected eight wins. The contestants are invited back. The programme as a whole is recognised and parodied, and also contestants of skill have received national press coverage within British culture.