Countdown shares rare throwback clips of Rachel Riley and Carol Vorderman for 40th anniversary special

COUNTDOWN has shared rare throwback clips of Rachel Riley and Carol Vorderman as part of its 40th anniversary special.

The Channel 4 show first aired on November 2, 1982 and today’s show featured trips down memory lane around the main competition.

Before each advert break, bosses reminded Countdown viewers of some fun moments from over the years, with the first one featuring current co-host Rachel Riley.

The clip was from her time alongside Nick Hewer, who hosted the show for nine years until June 2021.

Rachel, 36, looked as glamorous as ever in a fitted black dress, but her blonde hair was significantly shorter compared to her long locks now.

Meanwhile, the second trip down memory lane featured original co-host Carol, 61, alongside Des Lynam, who presented the show from 2005 to 2006.

Des, 80, was the first presenter to front the show following the death of original host Richard Whiteley, who passed away in 2005 aged 61.

Richard had hosted the show for 22 years alongside Carol, and the clip that aired saw her showing Des the ropes during one of his first recordings.

After Des left the programme, Des O’Connor took over until December 2008, with Carol leaving at the same time after 26 years.

The mantel then passed to Jeff Stelling from 2009 until 2011 – with Rachel joining at the same time – before former Apprentice star Nick took the chair for nine years until his departure in 2021.

Anne Robinson then became the first female host of the show. but she left in July this year after only one year.

The current host is Colin Murray, however the anniversary edition was fronted by guest host Floella Benjamin.

Next week, the Reverend Richard Coles will take over for a week, followed by Moira Stuart.

Countdown airs weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4.