Countdown contestant reveals hidden feature that catches players ‘off guard’

Countdown contestants have multiple conundrums to solve (Picture: Channel 4) A Countdown contestant has spilled a huge behind-the-scenes secret on the Channel 4 show. For 23 years, players have been testing their literary competency by making the longest world possible out of nine letters against the clock. They are also challenged to use six numbers to hit a target figure with arithmetic under a strict time limit of 30 seconds. While that sounds like enough of a headache as it is, a former contestant has revealed the show has another feature that catches you ‘off guard.’ Viewers at home will be familiar with Countdown’s clock trademark ‘booming’ sound as it counts down the seconds – and players in the studio hear it too. It can all be a bit much for the maths and English whizzes who can find the ticking more than distracting. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page As Digital Spy forum user MrCountdown6205 revealed: ‘I can say from my trivial time on the show last year that it’s much easier when you’re sat at home, pausing as you please; much more relaxing than being in the studio, faced with cameras and feeling the pressure of the clock booming in each round (it’s not edited in, it plays whilst you’re there which caught me off guard a little when I was on).’ Former Countdown contestant Jen Steadman, who was an octochamp on series 69 of Countdown in 2023, previously spoke to Metro about her experience on the show. She revealed another snag players encounter: Susie Dent’s dictionary and Scrabble’s are not the same. Jen revealed: ‘The Scrabble and Countdown dictionaries are totally different, which is really annoying. It means lots of words aren’t valid in one but are valid in another.’ As for how to appear on the programme, Jen said it starts with an application form on the Channel 4 website before a phone audition during which hopefuls play Countdown. Players must also try and not be distracted by the clock’s ‘booming’ ticking sound (Picture: PA) She said: ‘My audition consisted of five letters rounds, two numbers rounds and two conundrums. I found the audition pretty stressful and missed some words I knew, but still passed.  ‘If you’re getting mostly 7s in the letters rounds and you solve at least one numbers [round] and one conundrum, you’ll probably get on the show.’  Countdown was the first programme aired on Channel 4 when the broadcaster launched in November 1982. Adapted from the French TV series Des Chiffres Et Des Lettres (Numbers and Letters), it was originally hosted by Richard Whiteley. Subsequent presenters included Des Lynam, Des O’Connor and Jeff Stelling, with TV and radio presenter Colin Murray named the permanent host in 2023, following Anne Robinson’s departure. Carol Vorderman appeared on the show as the assistant host, managing the letters board and checking calculations, for 26 years from 1982 until December 2008, and was replaced by Rachel Riley. Countdown airs on Channel 4 every weekday afternoon from 2.10pm. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.