BBC News Published image captionMarcel Stellman and his wife Jean Marcel Stellman, creator of Channel 4's long-running gameshow Countdown, has died at the age of 96. Belgian-born Stellman was also a record producer and lyricist who wrote songs for stars including Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour and The Shadows. Among his best-known tracks was the Max Bygraves hit Tulips From Amsterdam, released in 1958. Countdown was Channel 4's first show at its 1982 launch and has become one of the world's most enduring game shows. Stellman's nephew wrote on Twitter: "It is with our deepest sorrow we share with you news of the death of our beloved Uncle - Marcel Stellman, 96, who passed away late last night. Marcel is survived by his beloved wife Jean."