COUNTDOWN star revealed the brutal reality behind the Channel 4 set – and keyboard warriors have no clue.
A former Countdown contestant opened up about the shocking truth of filming on Channel 4’s iconic show.
A previous contestant exposed the truth behind filming the popular game show[/caption]
They said the ticking Countdown clock drove them to the edge[/caption]
Colin Murray took over as host in 2022[/caption]
They reveal the harshness of online trolls and the real-life challenges they never see behind the scenes.
The participant appeared on the game show back in 2023, which was hosted by Colin Murray.
They revealed that the infamous ticking Countdown clock drove them to the edge.
With its loud tick-tock and the theme tune blasting as pressure mounted, it was a real nerve-wrecker for contestants trying to solve the puzzle.
Taking to a forum on Digital Spy, the former contestant wrote: “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).
“With that in mind, it’s easy to make mistakes, but submitting words such as ‘STROL’ and ‘SCON’ is quite something.”
The Sun previously spoke to former contestant Gary Woodward, who has appeared on Countdown nine times, and a TV source.
He unveiled surprising details about the Channel 4 hit – including how the camera crews would sneakily cover up mistakes.
Gary said: “When they don’t like a bit of recording they do it again to overlay that section during the edit.
This can be because the audio quality wasn’t perfect, if a presenter sneezed or made a mistake or cameras missed a cut.
“It’s easy to spot when they do this on Countdown.
“If the cameras cut back to the contestant while they are choosing a vowel or consonant, it’s normally because they have used a cover shot.”
Contestants have to been reshot too – especially if they pick a rude word.
A former audience member, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Sun: “There were a couple of retakes and the funniest one was when a guy said ‘pisser’ in the anagrams round.
Countdown hosts over the years
Since launching in 1982, Channel 4 game show Countdown has become a staple of daytime telly. There have been several presenters throughout the show’s long history. Let’s take a look back at who has hosted the iconic show.
- Richard Whiteley (1982-2005): The original and longest-serving host, Richard helmed the programme for 23 years. As Countdown was the launch programme for Channel 4, the presenter and journalist was the first person to be seen on the channel. He died in 2005 at the age of 61.
- Des Lynam (2005-2006): Originally from County Clare in Ireland, Des took over from Richard Whiteley after his death. He is known for hosting TV coverage of several sporting events including Wimbledon and the Grand National. He left the show after less than 18 months.
- Des O’Connor (2007-2008): Another Des was next up, in the form of comedian and presenter Des O’Connor. The long-time TV chat show host was known for The Des O’Connor Show and Take Your Pick. He left Countdown to focus on entertainment projects. Des O’Connor died in 2020, aged 88.
- Jeff Stelling (2009-2011): Known for his work presenting Gillette Soccer Saturday, Jeff became the fourth host of Countdown. He had reportedly previously been in consideration to replace Richard Whiteley. He left after three years to focus on football coverage.
- Nick Hewer (2012-2021): Former public relations consultant Nick was one of Lord Sugar’s advisors for 10 years on The Apprentice. He became the new host of Countdown in 2012, appearing on both shows for two years. He ultimately left Countdown after nine years.
- Anne Robinson (2021-2022): Best known as the original host of The Weakest Link, in 2021 Anne became the first female Countdown presenter. She left the programme a year later, having recorded 265 episodes.
- Colin Murray (2022-present): Before being named the permanent Countdown host, Colin Murray had been appearing on a guest basis since 2020. He returned to the show following Anne Robinson’s departure.
“It was a great six-letter word but they couldn’t use it. I think it’s because they feared getting complaints.
“He still got the points but right at the end of filming they recorded him saying a more palatable six-letter word instead.”
Countdown viewers were shocked earlier this week as maths genius Dr. Tom Crawford stepped in for Rachel Riley.
Known for his mind-blowing math skills and viral YouTube videos, the Cambridge and Oxford boffin took a break from the camera to show off his intellect in a whole new way on the iconic show.
Countdown airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 2:10pm or stream on channel4.com.
Gary Woodward appeared on the show in 1999 and shared the secrets behind filming the show[/caption]
Countdown has witnessed plenty of rude but amusing anagram answers[/caption]
Dr Tom Crawford will temporarily take over the role as Rachel films a new project[/caption]
