WE were told Channel 4 would be Britain's most controversial broadcaster. So when the channel launched 20 years ago on Saturday, its first programme, a tame, old fashioned quiz show, came as a surprise.
Since then, contentious programmes filled with sex and violence have been and gone. Even Brookside's for the chop. But Countdown is still going strong. Why? There is no conundrum: it's because people love to goggle at the mental dexterity of champions such as York's own Julian Fell. Good luck in the quarter finals, Julian.
Updated: 11:27 Monday, October 28, 2002
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