Countdown

Colin Murray and Rachel Riley present the words‑and‑numbers quiz, challenging contestants to outthink the clock. They guide participants through rapid‑fire rounds of arithmetic and vocabulary. In Dictionary Corner, broadcaster Jo Good appears alongside Susie Dent to discuss the language elements.

The episode, broadcast on 23 January 2026, is a words‑and‑numbers game show that pits participants against a ticking clock. It is presented as a lively competition where quick thinking and sharp calculation are essential to succeed. The main hosts, Colin Murray and Rachel Riley, steer the contestants through each round, challenging them to solve linguistic and numerical puzzles before time runs out. Their banter keeps the pace brisk, while the pressure of the countdown adds an extra layer of excitement for both players and viewers. Adding another dimension to the programme, broadcaster Jo Good appears alongside lexicographer Susie Dent in the show’s Dictionary Corner. In this segment, the duo provides insights into tricky words and spelling nuances that arise during the game, offering helpful explanations that complement the fast‑paced main contest. Together, the hosting team and the Dictionary Corner contributors create a balanced mix of rapid‑fire problem‑solving and language guidance, making the episode a compact showcase of mental agility and wordplay.