It was good to hear (our) Richard Heald mentioned by the Octochamp on today’s programme, as the person who knocked her out on her previous appearance on the programme – in 2005, I think she said!
Tim C @3 Channel 4 has a free ‘on demand’ streaming facility, on which episodes of Countdown appear almost as soon as they are broadcast. Look into it; there is a lot of other good stuff on there.
I shall watch with interest. Because I record the programme I tend to be a bit behind, so probably won’t watch you until after the date. So I won’t read anything either congratulating you or (heaven forbid) commiserating.
I can’t find anywhere else to ask this, but does anyone know how to submit cryptics to any outlets? I cannot find any helpful resources online as to what outlets accept outside puzzles, and if so, how to submit them.
Unlucky Ken,
I imagine you’ree feeling a bit chastened by the experience., but you had the misfortune to come up against a good player just coming into their stride in the series. Just sharing my experience in case it’s any consolation.
Having been introduced to “le jeu des chiffres et des lettres” on exchange trips to France in the late 60’s, I’ve been a constant viewer and fan of Countdown since its inception on Channel 4.
I finally got round to applying post-retirement and appeared in the series before last. I’m usually pretty good on my settee, but unfortunately I came up against the eventual series champion Jase who soundly trounced me. I’m still considering whether to apply again in 10 years time
Hard lines Ken. Watching, I’m pretty certain that nerves got the better of you – it’s so much easier sat at home on the settee. I had DERISION instead of IRONSIDE – but still with an I too many!
I had not watched Countdown for about 40 years, when it was half an hour long and presided over by Richard Whiteley. I shan’t easily be persuaded to watch it again after today. It did, however, confirm for me that, unhappily, the arithmetical part of my brain has turned to mush in old age, something I had suspected from recent struggles and elementary mistakes in financial calculations, My verbal dexterity does, however, seem to be intact.
Very hard to be the challenger especially against an accomplished player. I found the maths component slightly easier but I would still have floundered on the show. Well done Ken.
I appeared in the show some 15 years ago. Was the seventh victim of an Octochamp. My sole consolation? I was the only one of his eight opponents who prevented him getting over 100 points.
Would never put myself through that nerve wracking experience again.
The standard is so high now. Certainly better then when I watched regularly 20 years ago. Never fancied it myself but I have had a few friends go on and, other than the one who became series champion, have all lost after getting a stinker of a draw.
Just seen this, Ken as my 15^2 bookmark filters on Guardian crosswords. I must look in at this even though your spoiler gives the game away…. glad to hear about Colin M: he always comes across as genuinely good guy (even if he does support Liverpool).
Oh wow 👏👏👏
I hope it went well!
Not sure I’ll be able to watch it kenmac. I’ll look into a VPN… technology, making all our lives easier. 😉
Good luck Ken!!
Good luck on Countdown, kenmac. My initial thoughts went to an old TV show of the same name in Australia which I used to watch as a teenager.
I have never seen the programme but will watch it on July 8th. Best of luck.
It was good to hear (our) Richard Heald mentioned by the Octochamp on today’s programme, as the person who knocked her out on her previous appearance on the programme – in 2005, I think she said!
All the best, Ken!
Tim C @3 Channel 4 has a free ‘on demand’ streaming facility, on which episodes of Countdown appear almost as soon as they are broadcast. Look into it; there is a lot of other good stuff on there.
Interesting Balfour @8. I’m sure a few years ago when I tried that it was geo-blocked, but it doesn’t seem to be now.
I shall watch with interest. Because I record the programme I tend to be a bit behind, so probably won’t watch you until after the date. So I won’t read anything either congratulating you or (heaven forbid) commiserating.
Good luck and enjoy yourself
I can’t find anywhere else to ask this, but does anyone know how to submit cryptics to any outlets? I cannot find any helpful resources online as to what outlets accept outside puzzles, and if so, how to submit them.
Good luck Ken!
Good luck
Unlucky Ken,
I imagine you’ree feeling a bit chastened by the experience., but you had the misfortune to come up against a good player just coming into their stride in the series. Just sharing my experience in case it’s any consolation.
Having been introduced to “le jeu des chiffres et des lettres” on exchange trips to France in the late 60’s, I’ve been a constant viewer and fan of Countdown since its inception on Channel 4.
I finally got round to applying post-retirement and appeared in the series before last. I’m usually pretty good on my settee, but unfortunately I came up against the eventual series champion Jase who soundly trounced me. I’m still considering whether to apply again in 10 years time
Thanks again for the wonderful site
Hard lines Ken. Watching, I’m pretty certain that nerves got the better of you – it’s so much easier sat at home on the settee. I had DERISION instead of IRONSIDE – but still with an I too many!
Peter B – well done for getting the Countdown Conundrum
I had not watched Countdown for about 40 years, when it was half an hour long and presided over by Richard Whiteley. I shan’t easily be persuaded to watch it again after today. It did, however, confirm for me that, unhappily, the arithmetical part of my brain has turned to mush in old age, something I had suspected from recent struggles and elementary mistakes in financial calculations, My verbal dexterity does, however, seem to be intact.
Very hard to be the challenger especially against an accomplished player. I found the maths component slightly easier but I would still have floundered on the show. Well done Ken.
Tedrick #17 – Thanks – minor redemption, but I was never going to beat Jase and I’m still haunted by missing several straightforward numbers!
Probably needless to say but I was geo-blocked.
I appeared in the show some 15 years ago. Was the seventh victim of an Octochamp. My sole consolation? I was the only one of his eight opponents who prevented him getting over 100 points.
Would never put myself through that nerve wracking experience again.
The standard is so high now. Certainly better then when I watched regularly 20 years ago. Never fancied it myself but I have had a few friends go on and, other than the one who became series champion, have all lost after getting a stinker of a draw.
Thanks everyone for your comments. As you could probably see, I was extremely nervous and I really don’t know why.
Anyway, it was a very enjoyable experience even though I was beaten by a Dub!
Colin Murray is a perfect host and a real gentleman. I honestly felt like I’d known him for years.
I’d persuade anyone to give it a go.
Just seen this, Ken as my 15^2 bookmark filters on Guardian crosswords. I must look in at this even though your spoiler gives the game away…. glad to hear about Colin M: he always comes across as genuinely good guy (even if he does support Liverpool).