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On the 25th anniversary of Channel 4, Carol spoke to us about life on the show, learning how to change clothes quickly and being a sex symbol...
Did you ever think Countdown would last 25 years?
Oh no, certainly not. No one thinks a show will last this long but I suppose when you look at it, the show doesn't have a format based on fashion, so its appeal endures. A lot of television today is quite derivative but Countdown is a pure idea. It's simply based on puzzles and crosswords that never go out of fashion.
Oh no, certainly not. No one thinks a show will last this long but I suppose when you look at it, the show doesn't have a format based on fashion, so its appeal endures. A lot of television today is quite derivative but Countdown is a pure idea. It's simply based on puzzles and crosswords that never go out of fashion.
Can you tell us about any behind the scenes preparation rituals you have?
There isn't a lot of preparation which is part of its charm. We record five 45 minute shows a day so there isn't a lot of time to do any preparation! You only get about ten minutes between shows and I spend that time getting changed.
There isn't a lot of preparation which is part of its charm. We record five 45 minute shows a day so there isn't a lot of time to do any preparation! You only get about ten minutes between shows and I spend that time getting changed.
You must have a glamorous dressing room...
Put it this way, there are a lot of times where I put on what I think will look good and then I look in the mirror and think, "What a right idiot!" So I whip that off and try another thing on before they come knocking on the door to get me back on set. It's not very glamorous!
Put it this way, there are a lot of times where I put on what I think will look good and then I look in the mirror and think, "What a right idiot!" So I whip that off and try another thing on before they come knocking on the door to get me back on set. It's not very glamorous!
Do you have a favourite moment from the show?
All my favourite moments are Richard moments, really. The moments where he got his knickers in a twist over things. We have had a lot of good guests over the years though: Alan Coren, Rick Wakeman, Pam Ayres... I love Pam Ayres.
All my favourite moments are Richard moments, really. The moments where he got his knickers in a twist over things. We have had a lot of good guests over the years though: Alan Coren, Rick Wakeman, Pam Ayres... I love Pam Ayres.
Have there been any moments during filming that haven't ended up being broadcast?
Only swear words really, otherwise you get it all as it happens because we don't have time to re-do anything. It's part of the 'what you see is what you get' charm.
Only swear words really, otherwise you get it all as it happens because we don't have time to re-do anything. It's part of the 'what you see is what you get' charm.
People can now apply to be on Countdown on this website, do you have any tips for them?
Really? Great stuff. I'd say learn your 75 times table! A lot of contenders fall down on their mental arithmetic so brush that up and you could get a slight advantage.
Really? Great stuff. I'd say learn your 75 times table! A lot of contenders fall down on their mental arithmetic so brush that up and you could get a slight advantage.
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