To rhyme with ‘cone’ or ‘gone’? Countdown’s Susie Dent reveals most common question
Programme’s lexicographer says audiences are consumed by correct pronunciation of the word ‘scone’
December 2023
Observer New Review 2023 puzzles special
Carol Vorderman: ‘I honestly believe we can reduce the Tories to 70 MPs’
The former Countdown host on how her love of puzzles and quizzes led to her Perfect 10 podcast, her hopes for 2024, and her unlikely mission to oust the Tories
September 2023
Susie Dent: ‘English has always evolved by mistake’
The queen of Countdown’s dictionary corner on the power of positive language and finding joy in ‘mubble fubbles’
December 2022
Christmas puzzles special
‘Dig deep and think as hard as possible’ – the secrets of success in Scrabble, Sudoku, Jenga and more
From a 9-year old Scrabble prodigy to the UK jigsaw champion, we asked master gamers and puzzlers to reveal their secrets
May 2022
Anne Robinson steps down as Countdown host
Former Weakest Link presenter joined Channel 4 quiz show last year, the first woman to take the role
December 2021
Rachel Riley awarded £10,000 damages over ex-Corbyn aide’s tweet
‘Just for the fun of it’: Countdown star, 17, targets more TV success
October 2021
Alan Hawkshaw obituary
Alan Hawkshaw, Countdown and Grange Hill composer, dies aged 84
July 2021
The more we see older women succeed, the more they will succeed
Gaby Hinsliff
Anne Robinson’s new job might not seem relevant to the average working woman, but visibility is vital to defeat ageism, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
June 2021
‘A flaccid little attempt at spikiness’: Anne Robinson takes over Countdown
Observer New Review Q&A
Anne Robinson: ‘I’m the oldest woman on TV who’s not judging cakes’
May 2021
Marcel Stellman obituary
Marcel Stellman, creator of daytime TV classic Countdown, dies aged 96
February 2021
Anne Robinson to be the new host of Countdown
Presenter and journalist will be first female host in 39 years of Channel 4 daytime show
October 2020
Susie Dent 'gutted' after new book Word Perfect printed with host of typos
Lexicographer and Countdown personality says she can now attest to the power of ‘lalochezia’: swearing to alleviate stress
April 2020
Rachel Riley wins first round of court case against Corbyn aide
Countdown host suing Laura Murray over tweet posted after Labour leader was hit by egg
February 2019
Rachel Riley and Tracy Ann Oberman to take legal action after Twitter abuse
The pair are ‘looking to stop vile lies’ after criticising antisemitism in Labour
January 2019
Rachel Riley to get extra security after receiving online threats
Countdown co-presenter says she is abused for criticising antisemitism in Labour party
October 2018
Names in the news
Matilda is a heroine for our time, thanks to Quentin Blake
Rebecca Nicholson
New drawings by the great artist bring the wonderful outsider right up to date
