Countdown is a British game show currently hosted by Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley. It was the first program to be broadcast on Channel 4, in 1982.

[1.1]

Richard Whiteley: As a countdown to a brand new channel ends, a brand new Countdown begins.

Episode of 7 January 1991

The word "wankers" was produced in the letters game. Both contestants, Lawrence Pearce and Gino Corr, declared it. The round was played again because of the offensive word, but the out-take has featured on many clips shows. Gyles Brandreth was special guest at the time.

• Corr: We're a pair of wankers.
  Brandreth: They anticipated my next line: What is Richard Whiteley doing asking for a definition of...?

Gotcha episode

(omethings apears on the board)

Amanda: I've got 5

Richard Whitely: What!? 5? OK well how about you?

Richard: No, 6. (Whitley puts his head in his hands in disbelief)

Amanda: I've got diarrhoea! (refering to her answer)

Richard Whiteley: Well fantastic! What have you got, Richard?

Richard: Yeah, I've got diarrhoea too!

Dictionary Corner:I have to say, we've got diarrhoea as well! (to Whitley) Have you not got diarrhoea?

Richard Whiteley: No, its pathetic isn't it?

Dictionary Corner: Well, its a collection of bowels and continents!

Richard Whiteley: I think this show is a wind-up for me!

[After pressing his buzzer and being told its not the conundrum]

Richard: Well, i've got a limmerick;

There was an old man called Whiteley

Who's puns were always said frightfully

He took some viagra, and now like Niagra

He rushes and gushes twice nightly!

(a numbers game with 75, 2, 6, 3, 8, 7 with a target of 623)

Richard: Yeah I've got it

Richard Whiteley: Lets hear it

Richard: 6.....2 3

Carol Vorderman: What like that? (writes 623 on the board)

Richard Whiteley: No you can't do that

Richard: Is that not in the rules, didn't it say that?

Richard Whiteley: No, no it didn't

Richard: Are you sure?

Richard Whitley: YES IT DID!

Richard Whiteley:Richard, look me in the eye. (Richard looks at Whitlely) You know you're talking a load of bollocks, don't you?

Amanda: (To Whiteley) can you tell me the answer to the Conundrum?

Noel Edmonds: (To Whiteley while giving him his Gotcha Oscar) Well, A short time ago you were the only person without diarrhoea, how are you now?

Richard Whiteley: I've got it now I can tell you!