Countdown

Colin Murray and Rachel Riley co‑present the words‑and‑numbers game for the upcoming 27 January 2026 programme. In Dictionary Corner, I’m a Celebrity runner‑up Tom Read Wilson joins regular contributor Susie Dent, adding his celebrity perspective to the lexical segment throughout the show.

The episode aired on 27 January 2026 as a stand‑alone instalment of the long‑running words‑and‑numbers game. It follows the familiar format of pitting contestants against a series of linguistic and arithmetic challenges, all presented within a lively studio setting. In this edition the proceedings are steered by Colin Murray and Rachel Riley, who take turns guiding the players through each round. Their banter keeps the pace brisk, while the core of the show remains the blend of wordplay and numerical puzzles that have defined the series since its inception. Joining the main presenters, Tom Read Wilson appears in a special role. Known for reaching the final of I’m a Celebrity… he adds a fresh dynamic to the programme, contributing his own brand of humour and insight as the competition unfolds. He shares the Dictionary Corner with veteran lexicographer Susie Dent, who continues to offer authoritative commentary on the language elements that surface during the game. Together they unpack tricky word choices and provide the audience with the etymological background that enriches each round.