Countdown

The 9 February 2026 episode is hosted by Colin Murray, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, with Mel Schilling appearing in Dictionary Corner. Contestants race against the clock, pitting their wits on a series of word and number challenges in a fast‑paced format.

The broadcast scheduled for 9 February 2026 is listed as a programme episode. It falls under the generic classification of an “episode” and is presented in a standard television format, with no further classification beyond its type and genre. The show is fronted by three presenters – Colin Murray, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent – who guide the proceedings throughout the hour. Joining them in the iconic Dictionary Corner is Mel Schilling, who provides linguistic insight. The core of the episode centres on a timed competition where participants must match their quick thinking against a series of challenges involving both words and numbers. Throughout the segment, the hosts keep the pace brisk, prompting contestants to answer before the clock runs out. The format pits mental agility against a ticking timer, encouraging a blend of vocabulary skill and numerical reasoning. With the added commentary from Dictionary Corner, the programme balances rapid-fire quiz elements with occasional explanations of tricky terms, creating a lively, fast‑paced contest for both the players and the audience.