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Image: John Stapleton and Lynn Faulds Wood presenting the show in 1988.

Watchdog began life as a strand of Nationwide, but proved so popular that on 14 July 1985 it became a stand-alone programme, fighting for the rights of viewers. The presenter on the new programme was Nick Ross, with Lynne Faulds Wood as consumer champion. The first episode featured graphically illustrated stories on flammable seat covers and on sewage polluting the water of Britain's bathing beaches, as well as an awards ceremony for the least trusted professions.

Watchdog reporters were tenacious on behalf of the consumer, and were occasionally threatened in the course of their investigations. Notable campaigning successes included action to ensure electrical appliances were supplied with a fitted plug, and to end the fuel surcharge on package holidays.

The presenter on the original Nationwide segment was Hugh Scully. Later Watchdog presenters included John Stapleton - who with Faulds Wood was the first married couple to front a 大象传媒 television programme - Alice Beer, Nicky Campbell, Matt Allwright and Anne Robinson.

Watchdog has produced several spin-offs, such as Healthcheck, Value for Money, On the House and Weekend Watchdog. In 2009 Anne Robinson returned to an expanded version of the programme, which continues to defend the consumer rights of viewers.