Episode 1

I say! Isn't that the ferret man?

Next >

Episode 1 was broadcast on 2 November 1982 at 4:45pm, as part of Series 1. It was the first-ever episode of Countdown as well as the first programme ever shown on Channel 4. The game was later repeated on 2 November 2007 to recognise Countdown's 25th anniversary.

Jeff Andrews played Michael Goldman, with Michael Goldman winning 50 – 27. The Dictionary Corner guest was Ted Moult, and the lexicographer was Mary.

NOTE: Before the first numbers game CECIL initially generated a target of 988. However, this was meant as an example, as it was the first time CECIL had ever been used, and not as the actual target for this round.

Rounds

Rnd	Selection	Jeff Andrews	Score	Michael Goldman	Others	Max.
1	TNEMARHIB	RAIMENT	7 – 7	MINARET	AMBIENT*	7
2	OCEETSPUG	5	7 – 13	COUPES	TOUPEES*	14
3	ZSGUOLUAS	GLOSS	12 – 18	GLASS	GAOLS*, GAUSS*, GOALS*, LASSO*, LUAUS*, SAGOS*, SLAGS*, SLOGS*, SLUGS*, SOLAS*, SOLUS*, SOULS*, USUAL*	19
4	1 3 10 7 6 4 → 493	500 (7 − 3 + 1) × (6 + 4) × 10	17 – 18	424	CV: 493 = (6 + 1) × 7 × 10 + 3	29
5	ILOOSOIRE	6	17 – 25	ORIOLES	ROSOLIO*	36
6	GCKIEIFVS	FIVES	22 – 30	SKIVE	GIVES*, IVIES*, VICES*	41
7	EDOSEXDEB	BOXED	27 – 35	DOSED	SEEDED*	47
8	50 3 1 3 10 7 → 833	843	27 – 40	840 50 × (10 + 7) − 3 × 3 − 1	CV: 833 = (50 − 1) × (10 + 7)	57
9	LIGHHGIHT		27 – 50	HIGHLIGHT (5.75 seconds)		67

External Links

• Watch this episode on YouTube (part 1), (part 2), (part 3), (part 4)