The success of Countdown is not merely about the elegance of the game. What makes it special is the on-screen team, writes Euan McColm.
Working from home brings with it certain benefits.
For one thing, there’s no dress code. I’m writing this while wearing tartan pyjama trousers and a ragged Adam Ant T-shirt.
And, for another, there’s no boss to look reproachfully as I slowly cover myself in custard cream crumbs throughout the day.
But, for me, the greatest advantage of working from home is that I can schedule my lunch break around my favourite TV show, Channel 4’s Countdown.
The daily words and numbers game was the first programme to be shown by the broadcaster on its launch in 1982. On Wednesday, both channel and show marked their 40th anniversary.
Over those four decades, there have been more than 7,000 episodes of this brilliant parlour game, where contestants are invited to create words from nine letters and reach numerical targets as the clock counts down 30 seconds.
On-screen cast make Countdown what it is
It’s a simple format, based on a French show – Des Chiffres et des Lettres – which has been on the go since 1965.
But the success of Countdown is not merely about the elegance of the game. What makes it special is the on-screen team that guides us gently through each 45-minute episode.
Word of the day is 'sequacity' (17th century): the readiness to follow a person or cause without applying any independent judgement.
— Susie Dent (@susie_dent) October 31, 2022
Resident numbers expert, Rachel Riley, is a shining, positive force with a wicked sense of humour. Regular viewers will be well-acquainted with her butter-wouldn’t-melt looks to camera when the letters threaten to spell out something risque.
Over in Dictionary Corner – joined by a celebrity guest each week – lexicographer Susie Dent adjudicates on contestants’ submissions. “Oh,” she’ll say, “I’m afraid it’s not in the dictionary,” breaking the bad news with a sympathetic smile. “Brilliant!” She’ll say, her face lighting up, when someone gets a nine.
Colin Murray is living up to Richard Whiteley’s legacy
On its launch, Countdown was chaired by Richard Whiteley, a funny, irreverent fellow with a gift for putting contestants at ease.
Colin Murray’s pleasure at being allowed to helm his favourite TV programme is always evident and makes for joyous viewing
This is a crucial skill for a presenter of the show, and one that those who have taken the reins since Whiteley’s death in 2005 have displayed to varying degrees. Countdown competitors, you see, are often awkward, eccentric, and nervous. And they need gentle handling.
A year during which Anne Robinson presented illustrated this starkly. Robinson’s tiresome, scary boss schtick created uneasy moments which jarred.
More recently, the DJ Colin Murray has been in charge. Though not yet confirmed as permanent host, Murray is made for the job.
A fan of the show since childhood, he understands perfectly what is required of him. His pleasure at being allowed to helm his favourite TV programme is always evident and makes for joyous viewing.
So, happy birthday, Countdown, and thanks, Rachel, Susie, and Colin, for creating a little oasis of kindness and positivity every week day.
Euan McColm is a regular columnist for various Scottish newspapers
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