Does Susie get help anymore?

[Chris Corby]

Just watched Friday's show and I thought Susie and Richard missed some obvious words (despite getting two niners) for example, could not beat four when 'Apemen' (6) was there and also the five 'Enema'. On other shows, nines have been missed. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't I invent 'Tippex'? No, correct me if I am wrong but I thought Susie had some help from upstairs from Damian & Co via the screen and/or earpiece, in fact a certain Julian Fell related how he was allowed to sit in the control room and feed good words to DC on one occasion. So is there no help any longer? I think we should be told. After all the production team are not averse to giving Des the odd good word or two.....

[Jon Corby]

I think it's more likely that they occasionally just ease up a bit and don't always announce every beater. The contestants might feel a bit inadequate if DC are owning their arses in every round.

[David O'Donnell]

I think it's more likely that they occasionally just ease up a bit and don't always announce every beater. The contestants might feel a bit inadequate if DC are owning their arses in every round.

It's very likely, the production team make this point in 'Spreading the Word.'

[Jon Corby]

It's very likely, the production team make this point in 'Spreading the Word.'

What is "Spreading The Word"?

And did they use the phrase "owning their arses"?

[David O'Donnell]

"Spreading the Word" is a book written by the Countdown team and is available from all good stockists (I want a kickback [anticipates a gag based on being literally kicked in the back] for this, Damian). It is a must for Countdown nerds everywhere since it gives you a behind the scenes glimpse of all facets of the show though it was written a few years ago and is a little dated. The phrase 'owning their asses' did not, according to my recollection, come up. But do they really need to say it, a menacing stare from Kate is enough to know you're completed owned.