When did Countdown start and how many hosts have there been?
Anne Robinson is joining the show (Picture: PA)  Weekday afternoons on Channel 4 wouldnt be the same without a spot of Countdown. The show, which is the longest-running on the channel, is showing no signs of going anywhere soon as a steady stream of contestants line up to show off their letters and numbers prowess. Former The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson is taking over from Nick Hewer, meaning the show will have an all-female line-up for the first time. The show was the first programme ever to be screened on Channel 4, launching the station on November 2 1982 at 4.45pm. Although the presenters and experts might have changed over the years, the format of the show has remained the same. Contestants have to compete against each other in a series of letters rounds  in which they have to see who can form the longest word from nine letters chosen at random, in a 30-second time period (hence the countdown bit)  There are also two numbers rounds  in which they have to use their maths skills to get as close as they can to a target figure, using a selection of numbers chosen at random and in the same space of time. The show also features the Countdown conundrum  a nine letter word jumbled up  which they have to try and guess in 30 seconds. A number of people have stepped up to host Countdown over the years  they are as follows:  The longest-serving Countdown presenter was Richard Whiteley (Picture: Getty)  Richard Whiteley (1982-2005)  The original and longest-running host of the show, Whiteley left after falling ill with septicaemia in 2005  and died in June of that year following surgery for a heart problem. Des Lynam (2005-2006)  Sports presenter Des took over the show after Whiteleys death, but only stayed for a year before departing at Christmas 2006. Des OConnor (2007-2008)  Another Des  this time veteran entertainer Des OConnor  took over where Lynam had left off, spending almost two years at the helm before he left at the end of 2008. Jeff Stelling hosted the show for three years (Picture: Getty)  Jeff Stelling (2008-2011)  Jeff is better known for his work on Sky Sports as host of Gillette Soccer Saturday  but he took time away from the football to present Countdown until 2011. Nick Hewer (2012- 2021)  Lord Sugars former right-hand man on The Apprentice is now a game show host, having become the longest-serving Countdown presenter since Richard Whiteley. He announced he was leaving in December of 2019, and his last episode was broadcast on Friday June 25. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video  Anne Robinson (2021  present)  Anne Robinson is probably best known for hosting BBC game show The Weakest Link, which ran from 2000 to 2012  and her acerbic wit. Speaking about her appointment, she said the show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. I am particularly excited to be working alongside the Shows two other formidable women.  Worryingly, Susie Dent and Rachel Riley are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me. The show currently airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 2.10pm. MORE : Countdowns Nick Hewer stunned by surprise message from Lord Alan Sugar on his final day: Youre retired!  MORE : Countdowns Anne Robinson says stupid TV boss told her not to do signature wink: So Ive done it ever since  Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  Share your views in the comments below