Countdown

The programme, broadcast on 28 January 2026, will feature the words‑and‑numbers game presented by Colin Murray and Rachel Riley. In Dictionary Corner, Tom Read Wilson – a runner‑up from I’m a Celebrity – will appear alongside Susie Dent on the show.

The upcoming episode presents a classic words‑and‑numbers challenge, with the format centred on quick thinking and linguistic skill. Two presenters steer the proceedings, guiding contestants through a series of puzzles that blend vocabulary with arithmetic. The show maintains its familiar structure, offering viewers a blend of mental competition and light‑hearted banter, all wrapped within the recognizable framework of the long‑running series. At the helm of the broadcast are Colin Murray and Rachel Riley, who share the presenting duties. Murray brings his seasoned broadcasting style, while Riley contributes her mathematical background, ensuring the pace remains lively and the clues clear. Their joint stewardship creates a balanced atmosphere, alternating between witty commentary and straightforward instruction, keeping the audience engaged as the game unfolds. Adding further colour to the episode, Tom Read Wilson, known for his runner‑up position on I’m a Celebrity, joins Susie Dent in the programme’s Dictionary Corner. In this segment, Wilson and Dent examine the origins and meanings of the words that appear during play, offering insights and occasional humour. Their presence complements the main action, providing an educational interlude that enriches the overall viewing experience without detracting from the core competition. The combination of the presenting pair and the Dictionary Corner team provides a cohesive viewing experience, linking the gameplay with the word analysis.