The Return Of Celebrity Countdown!!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 2:57 pm

While looking around on the Countdown audience application from site, I noticed an interesting thing that hasn’t happened for over TWENTY YEARS!!!

And it seems that recording on Sunday 20th/Monday 21st October, we will have the return of Celebrity Countdown!!!

Based on the recording slots, it looks like there will be 10 episodes being recorded over the 2 days, but who knows..., hopefully it won’t be 7R format like the originals from 1998, but I do hope that a high calibre of celebrity contestants will be appearing.

Callum Todd · Post by **Callum Todd** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:14 pm

Fascinating. Seeing as one of the recording days is on a Sunday, I may book some audience tickets to see what the craic is. Would anyone else be interested in going?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:19 pm

Callum Todd wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:14 pm Fascinating. Seeing as one of the recording days is on a Sunday, I may book some audience tickets to see what the craic is. Would anyone else be interested in going?

I can only do Monday afternoon as I’m at the Champions League Of Darts in Leicester that weekend, but my ticket is booked.

Tom S · Post by **Tom S** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:40 pm

Maybe it could be an introduction to a potential maternity statistician, so folks get to know them better....

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 5:38 pm

I've booked tickets

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 6:53 pm

Tom S wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:40 pm Maybe it could be an introduction to a potential maternity statistician, so folks get to know them better....

But, they've already recorded stuff that is being broadcast next year, I believe....

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:42 pm

Unless this is just Catsdown?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:09 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:42 pm Unless this is just Catsdown?

No, tickets available on the usual channels for regular Countdown. You have to buy Catsdown tickets from a different site.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:20 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:09 pm
Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:42 pm Unless this is just Catsdown?
No, tickets available on the usual channels for regular Countdown. You have to buy Catsdown tickets from a different site.

That's what I'm getting at - a change pf policy?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 1:10 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:20 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:09 pm
Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:42 pm Unless this is just Catsdown?
No, tickets available on the usual channels for regular Countdown. You have to buy Catsdown tickets from a different site.
That's what I'm getting at - a change pf policy?

I can’t see it myself...

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 2:52 pm

It's Celebrity Countdown, nothing to do with Cats.

L'oisleatch McGraw · Post by **L'oisleatch McGraw** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:32 pm

Ok... if they are gonna feature CD present / former staff members (and they SHOULD!!!

) then we've got to have Susie vs Rachel... or if they wanted to do teams I think Susie & Jeff Stelling vs Rachel & Nick could make for a close contest.

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:58 pm

L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:32 pm Ok... if they are gonna feature CD present / former staff members (and they SHOULD!!! ) then we've got to have Susie vs Rachel... or if they wanted to do teams I think Susie & Jeff Stelling vs Rachel & Nick could make for a close contest.

Great idea - all you need now is someone to do Susie's job while she plays the game, someone to host the show while Nick plays, and someone to do Rachel's role while she plays too.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 4:35 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:58 pm
L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:32 pm Ok... if they are gonna feature CD present / former staff members (and they SHOULD!!! ) then we've got to have Susie vs Rachel... or if they wanted to do teams I think Susie & Jeff Stelling vs Rachel & Nick could make for a close contest.
Great idea - all you need now is someone to do Susie's job while she plays the game, someone to host the show while Nick plays, and someone to do Rachel's role while she plays too.

Yeah, they probably are the only people in the world who could do their respective jobs.

Mark Deeks · Post by **Mark Deeks** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 10:52 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:58 pm
L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:32 pm Ok... if they are gonna feature CD present / former staff members (and they SHOULD!!! ) then we've got to have Susie vs Rachel... or if they wanted to do teams I think Susie & Jeff Stelling vs Rachel & Nick could make for a close contest.
Great idea - all you need now is someone to do Susie's job while she plays the game, someone to host the show while Nick plays, and someone to do Rachel's role while she plays too.

It is done.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 11:44 pm

I would watch that.

L'oisleatch McGraw · Post by **L'oisleatch McGraw** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 11:46 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:58 pm Great idea - all you need now is someone to do Susie's job while she plays the game, someone to host the show while Nick plays, and someone to do Rachel's role while she plays too.

Yeah... it is a pipe dream.

It's the kind of thing that *could* happen were Countdown the sort of programme with the profile and viewership of e.g. Mrs Brown's Boys. A one off Christmas Special with suitable celebrity guests in the hosting roles with ample assistance via earpieces.

(My money would be on team R&N btw. Rachel is scarily good at all aspects of gameplay. A true triple threat, quadruple if you include hotness.)

Ray Wilding · Post by **Ray Wilding** » Thu Sep 26, 2019 2:09 am

I'm guessing these will air over Christmas? Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd?

Thomas Carey · Post by **Thomas Carey** » Thu Sep 26, 2019 1:26 pm

Ray Wilding wrote: ↑Thu Sep 26, 2019 2:09 am I'm guessing these will air over Christmas? Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd?

jan 2nd is first game of series 82 so probably not (source - saw it filmed)

James Haughton · Post by **James Haughton** » Mon Oct 14, 2019 2:57 pm

If anyone is still looking for tickets for the Sunday (either afternoon or evening) I've got a couple spare still.

Toby McDonald · Post by **Toby McDonald** » Mon Oct 14, 2019 11:28 pm

How many of you guys are going for the first 3 sessions on the Sunday, 1pm-5:30pm? Me and my mum decided we're gonna come so it would be nice to meet some of you there.

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Tue Oct 15, 2019 8:23 am

Excellent Toby - there's a few of us going - will be great to meet you!

Toby McDonald · Post by **Toby McDonald** » Tue Oct 15, 2019 12:13 pm

Fiona T wrote: ↑Tue Oct 15, 2019 8:23 am Excellent Toby - there's a few of us going - will be great to meet you!

It will be great to meet you too!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Wed Oct 16, 2019 6:26 pm

Interesting information I picked up on the studio floor regarding the upcoming celebrity specials, and will certainly throw a few things into the mix.

Latest info I got was that the shows are NOT going to be on Channel 4, but on More4, and they’re NOT going to be shown during the Christmas break, but they’re starting on Tuesday 12 November at 9pm!!

The shows will be an hour long, but the format hasn’t been finalised yet, and they might do some more of these at a later date.

In terms of the players, it’s sort of going to be like a Lincoln style CO-event, where there will be 2 celebrity players, and another one in DC with Susie, and then they move around for the next show.

The only guests I managed to muster out were stalwarts Jo Brand, Chris Packham, Rufus Hound, and a Countdown newbie in radio presenter, Stuart Maconie.

Hopefully, more stuff will come out soon, but this hot off the press from the studio floor today.

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:40 pm

Shall I put these in the C series (starting at Episode C9) on the wiki, or in the S series with the "civilian" specials? Gotta be the uber-geek who asks.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:41 pm

Johnny Canuck wrote: ↑Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:40 pm Shall I put these in the C series (starting at Episode C9) on the wiki, or in the S series with the "civilian" specials? Gotta be the uber-geek who asks.

I think that's pretty obvious, personally....

(C, just in case you didn't think it was)

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:06 pm

Of course the format has been finalised.

Players are.......

Sabrina Grant
Anna Richardson
Charlie Higson
Rufus Hound
Stuart Maconie
James O'Brien
Christine Ohuruogu
Colin Murray
Jay Rayner
Jo Brand
Chris Packham
Charlotte Hawkins

Tom S · Post by **Tom S** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 2:58 pm

Looking like a good line-up! Look forward to seeing it all- only Sabrina Grant is a new name on me.

L'oisleatch McGraw · Post by **L'oisleatch McGraw** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 6:45 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:06 pm Sabrina Grant
Anna Richardson
Charlie Higson
Rufus Hound
Stuart Maconie
James O'Brien
Christine Ohuruogu
Colin Murray
Jay Rayner
Jo Brand
Chris Packham
Charlotte Hawkins

Calling it "Celebrity Countdown" is a bit of a stretch.
You could argue Jo Brand was a household name for a period during the 1990s... but that's it really.
I can understand the confusion around filing it under "C" or "S".

Still, nice to see something different. A change is as good as a rest.

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:02 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:06 pmOf course the format has been finalised.

I'll bite: What's the format?

Ronan M Higginson · Post by **Ronan M Higginson** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:13 pm

Johnny Canuck wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:02 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:06 pmOf course the format has been finalised.
I'll bite: What's the format?

Mocktorun

Ronan M Higginson · Post by **Ronan M Higginson** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:13 pm

Although seriously no clue

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 11:43 pm

Johnny Canuck wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:02 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:06 pmOf course the format has been finalised.
I'll bite: What's the format?

I’m just saying what I was told, they were mentioning bits about possibly having a lot of celebrity chat to fill the extra minutes for the 1 hour slot.

Owen Carroll · Post by **Owen Carroll** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:35 am

When will the first episode be seen on tv?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:42 am

Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:35 am When will the first episode be seen on tv?

If what I've been told is correct, then it'll be Tuesday 12th November at 9pm on More4...

Owen Carroll · Post by **Owen Carroll** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 2:54 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:42 am
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:35 am When will the first episode be seen on tv?
If what I've been told is correct, then it'll be Tuesday 12th November at 9pm on More4...

Sweet!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:18 pm

First episode confirmed as being broadcast cast a week today (12th November), and it will be Jo Brand v Jay Rayner, with Chris Packham joining Susie in DC.

Owen Carroll · Post by **Owen Carroll** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:35 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:18 pm First episode confirmed as being broadcast cast a week today (12th November), and it will be Jo Brand v Jay Rayner, with Chris Packham joining Susie in DC.

Obviously Nick would be the host right?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:58 pm

Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:35 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:18 pm First episode confirmed as being broadcast cast a week today (12th November), and it will be Jo Brand v Jay Rayner, with Chris Packham joining Susie in DC.
Obviously Nick would be the host right?

Yes, Nick is still the host, but I've understood there will be some tweaks to the regular show...

Owen Carroll · Post by **Owen Carroll** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:04 am

James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:58 pm
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:35 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:18 pm First episode confirmed as being broadcast cast a week today (12th November), and it will be Jo Brand v Jay Rayner, with Chris Packham joining Susie in DC.
Obviously Nick would be the host right?
Yes, Nick is still the host, but I've understood there will be some tweaks to the regular show...

Cool! Such as?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am

Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:04 am
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:58 pm
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:35 pm
Obviously Nick would be the host right?
Yes, Nick is still the host, but I've understood there will be some tweaks to the regular show...
Cool! Such as?

Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.

Owen Carroll · Post by **Owen Carroll** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 5:19 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:04 am
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:58 pm
Yes, Nick is still the host, but I've understood there will be some tweaks to the regular show...
Cool! Such as?
Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.

Ok. Well I can't wait!

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Thu Nov 07, 2019 2:34 pm

The trailer currently running on C4 (during Countdown, no less) is advertising Tue 12 Nov at 7pm, not 9pm.

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:04 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:04 am
James Robinson wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:58 pm
Yes, Nick is still the host, but I've understood there will be some tweaks to the regular show...
Cool! Such as?
Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.

Whatever happened to your insider knowledge?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:04 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am
Owen Carroll wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:04 am
Cool! Such as?
Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.
Whatever happened to your insider knowledge?

I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.

Graeme Cole · Post by **Graeme Cole** » Thu Nov 07, 2019 11:39 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:04 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am
Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.
Whatever happened to your insider knowledge?

I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.

Why all the secrecy?

It's basically the same format as the regular show, with a few minor differences. The contestants are celebrities, the DC guest is a random member of the public, the clock has an additional sub-second hand which does one revolution per second, there are six large numbers with the addition of 150 and 200, and buzzer noises are tailored to the episode like on QI.

At the end of the game, each contestant in turn is given one minute to answer as many quick-fire conundrums as they can. All the answers relate to a chosen theme, are of varying sizes and score one point per letter.

In Susie's usual chair there is a rotating set of guest lexicographers. Filming was held up for a while when the turntable stopped working.

Other than that, pretty much exactly the same as normal.

Zubair Patel · Post by **Zubair Patel** » Fri Nov 08, 2019 9:22 am

Multiple conundrums, Rachel sharing numbers tricks, alternative scoring method.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Fri Nov 08, 2019 11:47 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 2:34 pm The trailer currently running on C4 (during Countdown, no less) is advertising Tue 12 Nov at 7pm, not 9pm.

At the end of yesterday (Thursday)'s show, the caption then said 9pm, and the continuity announcer said 8pm.

I don't know what to believe any more.

(There's a joke there.)

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:56 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:04 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:47 am
Well, I’ll leave that until the broadcast, since I missed going to the recordings, cos of the stupid trains, I don’t have first hand knowledge of it, so some of it will be new to me too.
Whatever happened to your insider knowledge?

I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.

But you happily posted on here that we didn't have a format, according to your 'sources'....and now you concede you don't have first-hand knowledge....

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:41 pm

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:56 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:04 pm

Whatever happened to your insider knowledge?

I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.
But you happily posted on here that we didn't have a format, according to your 'sources'....and now you concede you don't have first-hand knowledge....

I’m just relaying the information that I had before the episodes were recorded. Anything could’ve changed between that point and the recording.

It’s always good to see the goods first hand, rather than relying on Chinese whispers.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sun Nov 10, 2019 10:18 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:41 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:56 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm
I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.
But you happily posted on here that we didn't have a format, according to your 'sources'....and now you concede you don't have first-hand knowledge....
I’m just relaying the information that I had before the episodes were recorded. Anything could’ve changed between that point and the recording.

It’s always good to see the goods first hand, rather than relying on Chinese whispers.

But you can have both!

Countdown Team · Post by **Countdown Team** » Sun Nov 10, 2019 10:21 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:41 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:56 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:34 pm
I have had some, but some of it sounds very confusing to me, so I’d rather not say, as I don’t have first-hand knowledge.
But you happily posted on here that we didn't have a format, according to your 'sources'....and now you concede you don't have first-hand knowledge....
I’m just relaying the information that I had before the episodes were recorded. Anything could’ve changed between that point and the recording.

It’s always good to see the goods first hand, rather than relying on Chinese whispers.

Your informant is clueless.

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:01 am

Countdown Team wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 10:21 pm
James Robinson wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:41 pm
Countdown Team wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:56 pm

But you happily posted on here that we didn't have a format, according to your 'sources'....and now you concede you don't have first-hand knowledge....
I’m just relaying the information that I had before the episodes were recorded. Anything could’ve changed between that point and the recording.

It’s always good to see the goods first hand, rather than relying on Chinese whispers.
Your informant is clueless.

Well tbf, I was there, and different celeb specials had different numbers of letters rounds - so there wasn't a set 'format' as such. Definitely not one for the purists.

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:03 am

Fiona T wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:01 am
Well tbf, I was there, and different celeb specials had different numbers of letters rounds - so there wasn't a set 'format' as such. Definitely not one for the purists.

Having said that, it was very enjoyable, and I liked the Rachel maths tips, albeit I think they warranted a longer slot.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Mon Nov 25, 2019 10:33 pm

I’ve just noticed that this week’s episode of Celebrity Countdown has been pulled from the schedule....

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Mon Nov 25, 2019 10:56 pm

James Robinson wrote: ↑Mon Nov 25, 2019 10:33 pm I’ve just noticed that this week’s episode of Celebrity Countdown has been pulled from the schedule....

That's because it featured Prince Andrew.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 6:25 pm

Is it not on this week either? It's in the Radio Times but not in the listings if you look online. Has something happened to it?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:06 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Tue Dec 03, 2019 6:25 pm Is it not on this week either? It's in the Radio Times but not in the listings if you look online. Has something happened to it?

Someone on the Facebook forum asked Channel 4 about and apparently it’s not back on until the New Year...

Fiona T · Post by **Fiona T** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:33 am

The phrasing in the email was "We have no plans to screen any more episodes at the moment but the series will be returning next year."

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 9:46 am

It could be that they're waiting for a decision on Rachel Riley's future after that Corbyn T-shirt! They think it would be too much to cancel the already filmed episodes of regular Countdown, so that's why they're still happening, and they also can't make any statement or decision before the baby is born in case the extra stress causes problems.

Obviously I've made all this up but you never know.