when both contestants get the same word, I always think it is a bit odd when the first to say the word shows the other person his/her piece of paper......is it just nerves? Why do they do that?

All is not what it seems, have a look at this footage that ended up on the cutting room floor > https://vid.me/YUWw

Nick once again showing he knows better than anybody how to open a light game show: a five-minute monologue about the the atomic bombings.

Kevin from Norwich is rather fanciable.

That link doesn't work

Rachel. Oh Rachel.

Originally Posted by mark_beach
All is not what it seems, have a look at this footage that ended up on the cutting room floor > https://vid.me/YUWw


Try here then > https://youtu.be/m1bmy2xkt9I

if she wore that dress every program, I think my life would be twice as worth living.

Why couldn't she set a maths puzzle instead of meaningless arithmetic rounds like this > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEsXrqH2Ioo

It's really time to stop having the dreadful Brandreth creature in Dictionary Corner. His body language towards Susie is so aggressive, glaring into her face and invading her space. I wish she'd chuck a bucket of water over him.

He's got great vocabulary knowledge though. Damn sight more intelligent than the likes of Jo Brand, etc.

Although yes, he's a little overbearing. I find it more amusing than creepy though.

Does Susie have a problem with Gyles? I'd guess not, given she must have made countless episodes with him, along with various projects outside of Countdown.

I like him; nice to see someone obviously invested in the show rather than phoning it in.

Why - does she seem standoffish with him? (I haven't been watching.)

Oh no - it was a response to the earlier comments about Brandreth. Probably should have quoted! They seem to get on perfectly well.

Ah, OK. She does seem lovely, I'm sure she gets on with everybody

Did Susie Dent say she was a vegetarian today....?

When is Matt le tissier's show/shows due to be shown? Would be interesting to see how he does

He does have a habit of invading personal space especially with women so she backs away a bit sometimes - like on the edge of her seat , I don't think it's malicious he just doesn't realise.

She did. It was in relation to a conversation about roadkill.

Apparently he appears when Graeme Le Saux is in Dictionary Corner, which is broadcast from 30th September.

I saw, tonight, that the Challenge channel is running old Richard Whiteley Countdowns, each day at 7pm, next week. I don't know if they have shown them before on that channel.

No, it's the first time; I believe it's been quite a long and convoluted process for them to get them. I think they're from 1991/1992, and starting the following week there's Fifteen-to-One from 1996.

As we all know, the ratings for Countdown have slid considerably in recent years, mainly thanks to students playing Angry Birds and Tweeting when they wake up, and record numbers of pensioners on HRT out dogging. So I had an idea for a revamp.

1. Left shoe
2. Right shoe
3. Left stocking
4. Right stocking
5. Coat
6. Skirt
7. Blouse
8. Bra
9. Knickers

Rachael has to remove as many items of clothing as there are letters in the winning word? She can choose any items she likes.

Then, when some clever clogs manages "spaldeens" or "trematode", it brightens up everyone's day. If a contestant's word is disallowed by Susie, they have to remove that number of items instead, which may be unpleasant. Similarly, the moment the clock starts ticking for the conundrum, Nick stands up, starts undoing his tie and stripping off at a steady pace, providing an extra incentive for the contestants to get the word as soon as bloody possible.

It's in the rules - to rule out cheating.

yes, but why would the one who announced their word have to show their bit of paper? How could they have cheated?