As part of Countdown's celebrations for its 25th birthday, C4 are showing the first EVER episode which was shown 25 years ago, today at 2:55. Following that, there is a 25th birthday special at the usual time of 3:25!

Note how they had three different wimmin doing everything Carol does by herself now... for 1000 times the wage

I Cathy Hytner, the "Letters Hostess" for over 600 eps between 1982 & 87... used to love it during the letters selection when the inevitable rude words would appear and Cathy went

Wahey Noel's said Happy Birthday!

The contestants behind Noel all looked completely new, don't think there was one from the current wings. Anyone know when they're going to play?

They're currently filming January / February 2008 episodes, so I guess that's when they'll appear on the wings.

Ta, H. Possibly my next birthday game then -- hope it's a cutie!

BTW, I wonder if DOND will be doing a special "Girl Proposes to Boyf" ep on February 29th?

(Traditionally, it was the day when Richard Whiteley would always expect a proposal from Carol!)