Countdown - Friday 29th May 2009

Introduction

The introduction of the show with music and applause.

• The show starts with foreign music playing.

• Applause follows the music.

Limerick Competition

The hosts discuss the limerick competition and read some entries.

• Entries for the limerick competition have been received from Switzerland, Spain, and France.

• Many entries were inspired by Rachel and Susie, but some were less than complimentary about Jeff's jokes.

• June 22nd is when the winner of the countdown teapot will be announced.

Contestants Introduction

The contestants are introduced along with their hobbies and interests.

• James Doohan is a returning champion from Falcara in County Donegal who enjoys chess, hurling, football, rugby, American football, and skiing. He describes himself as laid back and stubborn.

• Margaret Oliver is retired and lives in Aspley in Nottinghamshire. Her hobbies include reading, knitting, sewing, and traveling to unusual places such as Antarctica to see penguins. She has a sister named Mabel Weston who appeared on Countdown last Thursday and Friday but did not give her any tips for today's game.

Host Introduction

The hosts are introduced.

• Barry Cryer joins Susie Dent as co-host for this episode of Countdown.

Letters Round 1

The first letters round of the game.

• James chooses the letters P, D, M, E, E, I, K, S and the vowels form "spiked" and Margaret forms "peaked".

• Other possible words include impedes and skimped.

#s Letters Round 2

The second letters round of the game.

• No information provided in this section.

Letters and Numbers Game

In this section, the contestants play a letters and numbers game. They are given a set of letters to form words and a set of numbers to reach a target number.

Letters Round

• The contestants are given a set of letters to form words.

• James selects the letters for the round.

• Margaret and James reveal their words.

• Out sales is an eight-letter word that could have been formed.

Numbers Round

• The contestants are given a set of numbers to reach a target number.

• Margaret and James reveal their solutions.

Anecdotes

• Barry Cryer shares an anecdote about an act called "The Great Del Monte in His Dancing Duck."

Wondering about Acts

James and Margaret are playing a game of Countdown. James asks if anyone wonders why an act hasn't happened.

• James wonders why an act hasn't happened.

Letters Round 1

Margaret and James play the first letters round of the game.

Tented vs Trident

• James has "stick with us" for six letters.

• Margaret has "trident" for seven letters.

• The next round begins.

Consonants and Vowels

• Margaret chooses I, E, and a consonant.

• X, T, D, I, N, T, R are chosen as consonants.

• The time starts now.

Letters Round 2

James and Margaret play the second letters round of the game.

Charge vs Baconer

• James chooses N, H, C as consonants; A,O,E as vowels; R,G,B as final consonants.

• Barry suggests "baconer," but it is not accepted by the judges.

• Susie shares the origin story of the word "Sycophant."

Numbers Round

Margaret selects the numbers round.

Target: 981

• The target is 981.

• James and Margaret both get the answer using the same method.

Teaser

A teaser for a future segment of Countdown is presented.

Koi Reams Quiet Reams

• The words are "Koi Reams Quiet Reams."

• The clue is "I've had enough of Roger," said the tree.

Conclusion

In this episode of Countdown, James and Margaret play two letters rounds and one numbers round. They both get the correct answer in the numbers round, but only Margaret gets a seven-letter word in the first letters round with "trident." Susie shares an interesting origin story about the word "Sycophant."

Introduction

Joseph introduces himself as being from a small store.

Introducing Joseph

• Joseph introduces himself as being from a small store.

Countdown Conundrum

James wins his sixth consecutive game with 101 points, while Margaret has 60. They play the countdown conundrum and James wins again.

Countdown Conundrum

• James wins his sixth consecutive game with 101 points, while Margaret has 60.

• They play the countdown conundrum and James wins again.

Meeting Bob Hope

Before leaving, Barry asks James about meeting Bob Hope.

Meeting Bob Hope

• Barry asks James about meeting Bob Hope.

• James describes how Bob Hope was very insecure despite being famous and how he was impressed by him.

Making People Laugh

The conversation shifts to making people laugh.

Making People Laugh

• Rachel mentions how it's a great joy to make people laugh.

• Jimmy agrees and says that one day he will too.

Conclusion

The show ends with goodbyes and an announcement for upcoming programming.

Goodbye and Upcoming Programming

• The show ends with goodbyes and an announcement for upcoming programming.