Countdown

Les Dennis, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent present the show, joined by Dr Ranj Singh in Dictionary Corner. Contestants then race against the clock, testing their wits with both words and numbers as they try to solve puzzles under time pressure.

The broadcast on 02 February 2026 is a single episode of a television programme that brings together three presenters – Les Dennis, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent – to steer the action. They share the hosting duties, guiding the flow of the show and interacting with the participants throughout the recording. At the heart of the episode, contestants are put under a time limit and must test their mental agility. They are challenged to match their wits against a series of word‑based and numerical puzzles, racing the clock to secure the best results. The pressure of the ticking timer creates a brisk, competitive atmosphere that drives each round. Adding a specialist touch, Dr Ranj Singh occupies the so‑called Dictionary Corner. In this role he offers lexical insight and clarification, helping to resolve any language‑related uncertainties that arise during the word challenges. His presence ensures that the linguistic element of the game is handled accurately and with authority. Together, the hosts and Dr Singh create a structured yet lively environment where participants must think quickly and accurately. The episode’s format blends quick‑fire questioning with the excitement of a timed contest, delivering a clear focus on both verbal and numerical skill.