It's a new week on Countdown, but unfortunately, it's the beginning as well as the end of the week, in terms of Countdown on the telly. Damn those horses

But, to keep our spirits bright, today's show is a special show, featuring 2 of the high-scoring losers (that seems a harsh word) from Series 61, Lesley "The Countdown Sweetheart" Hines and Micheal "pronounced Michael" Harris.

I would normally do some stats at this point, but since today's contestants have only appeared on 3 shows between, it seems like a bit of a waste of time, so I won't bore you.

Since, it's another special show, Gary Osborne is back in DC for this one.

Ryan will be around for the recap of Special Episode S27 later.

I should also point out that since there isn't another show till next week, after today, I'm off next week, to enjoy some sun and sea in a far off place.

Luckily for me, no recaps will be needed from me while I'm off. RESULT

I'm glad they brought Lesley and Micheal back, two nice people, who were unlucky on the show. They're no Kirk or Chris, but still good at the game, should be a great game.

Awfully sorry, today's screening has been cancelled. Oh well there you go. All go out and enjoy the sunshine. And don't check your TV listings - they'll only lie and say it's still on. Still, well played Micheal, it was lots of fun. Never mind - you didn't want to see my HUGE facepalms anyway.

Just so you don't feel like you're missing anything:
Players: Me (Worcester bird, yadda yadda) vs Micheal Harris (all round top bloke)
DC: Gary Osborne (War of the Worlds lyricist - superb piece of concept prog rock)
Everyone else brill as always

The action:
Letters rounds
Numbers rounds
TTTs
Conundrum

Points were scored.
Someone won.

There - now your whole afternoon's free

Oh, and cheers for the nice things said guys

KAOLIN, nice word.
TOMATINE, nicer word.

First numbers alt: (75x6)-((100-10)/2)= 405

r7 DIPOLAR

r13 SOSATIE

Very well played Lesley.

Excellent Lesley, you played very well indeed. Impressed with your spot of KAOLIN - you certainly deserved your teapot. Shame you ran into Ryan really - you're probably one of the better women at the game and could have gone on a long way.

Well played Lesley you can send your TBNT trophy,back now.

There's no 'probably' about it! Definitely one of the better female players!

Well played Lesley! Impressive performance and really enjoyable to watch too.

Aw, thanks guys I did get lucky tho'. I'm still cringing about missing TRAINEES and the first numbers. Still, can't complain. I was incredibly lucky to be given a second bite at the cherry - I certainly never expected a second go the first time!

Very well played Lesley. It was a very friendly match and much enjoyable.

105 to go with the 104 must put you high up in the all-time averages.

So unlucky that you won't get another chance on a proper series, as you're definitely one of the better female players.

PROUDEST in round 1, STEAMIER in round 3 and CONGAED in round 9.

Epic game. Fair play Lesley and commiserations Micheal. Having missed the first special when it was broadcast it was nice to relive some of the zeitgeist from a fantastic recording day

Well done Lesley!

Great stuff Lesley! Me and BC just watched - you were a star. Really, really solid performance. Muchos pleased

I hope you told Jeff off for Worchester!

Great game, you played amazingly Lesley