Channel 4 apologise to viewers after technical issues force last-minute schedule shake-up

CHANNEL 4 have issued an apology to viewers following a last-minute schedule shake-up.

Technical issues disrupted some of Tuesday's programming, as viewers' timings were thrown into disarray.

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It saw an episode of Countdown air almost an hour after the scheduled time.

A confused fan penned on social media: "What's up with @Channel4 this morning?

"Listings had @C4Countdown at 05:45, but it was partway into some property programme then (not even Cheers, the programme scheduled before Countdown).

"It eventually started about 50 min later, with no explanation.

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Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the broadcaster explained: "Hey - due to a technical issue, #Countdown started later than usual yesterday morning on #Channel4.

"Episodes of #Cheers were removed so the schedule could get back on track.

"Apologies for any inconvenience."

It is not the first time the numbers and letters show has faced technical setbacks.

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On one occasion, an episode was cancelled in a last minute change, leaving baffled fans desperate for answers.

Taking to Twitter at the time, one fan wrote: "Was #countdown not on channel 4 today?"

Another fumed: "@C4Countdown Why aren't you on at the moment?

"The TV guide says you're on but it's some Flog It show or something....... #Countdown."

Channel 4 later explained: "We’ve experienced temporary technical issues related to the new operating process that was put in place after the outage.

"We are working to rectify it as quickly as possible but can confirm that the peak schedule is unaffected."

Having launched in 1982, Countdown has been on viewers' screens for over four decades.

Countdown hosts over the years

Since launching in 1982, Channel 4 game show Countdown has become a staple of daytime telly. There have been several presenters throughout the show's long history. Let's take a look back at who has hosted the iconic show.

• Richard Whiteley (1982-2005): The original and longest-serving host, Richard helmed the programme for 23 years. As Countdown was the launch programme for Channel 4, the presenter and journalist was the first person to be seen on the channel. He died in 2005 at the age of 61.
• Des Lynam (2005-2006): Originally from County Clare in Ireland, Des took over from Richard Whiteley after his death. He is known for hosting TV coverage of several sporting events including Wimbledon and the Grand National. He left the show after less than 18 months.
• Des O'Connor (2007-2008): Another Des was next up, in the form of comedian and presenter Des O'Connor. The long-time TV chat show host was known for The Des O'Connor Show and Take Your Pick. He left Countdown to focus on entertainment projects. Des O'Connor died in 2020, aged 88.
• Jeff Stelling (2009-2011): Known for his work presenting Gillette Soccer Saturday, Jeff became the fourth host of Countdown. He had reportedly previously been in consideration to replace Richard Whiteley. He left after three years to focus on football coverage.
• Nick Hewer (2012-2021): Former public relations consultant Nick was one of Lord Sugar's advisors for 10 years on The Apprentice. He became the new host of Countdown in 2012, appearing on both shows for two years. He ultimately left Countdown after nine years.
• Anne Robinson (2021-2022): Best known as the original host of The Weakest Link, in 2021 Anne became the first female Countdown presenter. She left the programme a year later, having recorded 265 episodes.
• Colin Murray (2022-present): Before being named the permanent Countdown host, Colin Murray had been appearing on a guest basis since 2020. He returned to the show following Anne Robinson's departure.

The comedy spin-off 8  Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown began airing back in 2012.

Originally intended as a one-off crossover, a total of 26 series have aired to date.

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Hosted by Jimmy Carr, it sees Rachel Riley and Susie Dent return in their regular show roles.

Countdown airs on Channel 4.

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