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Episode 3959

From Countdown

Episode 3959 was broadcast on 1 July 2005, and was the Series 53 grand final.

John Mayhew played John Brackstone, with John Mayhew winning 86 – 76, after a tie-break conundrum, the first time a tie-break conundrum had been used to decide a series grand final. The Dictionary Corner guest was Philip Franks, and the lexicographer was Susie Dent.

This was the last episode to be presented by Richard Whiteley, and was broadcast shortly after his death.

Series 53 participant Tanmay Dixit was invited back to watch the final in the audience.

Mayhew claims that the game actually had three conundrums, the second of which was cut from the broadcast, but others present in the studio do not recall this event.

Rounds

Rnd Selection John Mayhew Score John Brackstone Others Max.
1 FSLTEUAYT TASTEFUL 8 – 0 FAULTS ASTUTELY 8
2 MPNOEOCST MOONSET 15 – 7 COMPOSE COMPOTES 16
3 RGLREIEDP REPLIED 22 – 14 REPLIED GIRDLER*, PERILED*, PLEDGER, REPLIER* 23
4 NMRIAEDNA MARINADE 30 – 22 MARINADE MANDARINE 41
5 25 2 5 1 6 6 → 158 158
25 × 6 + 5 + 2 + 1
40 – 32 158
25 × 6 + 5 + 2 + 1


51
TTT RENORIPS He might talk about terms and conditions. PRISONER
6 LRNEOETLS RELENTS 47 – 32 renotes ☓ ENTRESOL, RELLENOS* 59
7 JLSPOEICW POLICES 54 – 39 POLICES COWSLIP 66
8 VHNAEOMFI FAMINE 60 – 45 FAMINE ANOMIE* 72
9 TDSRAIATE RADIATES 68 – 53 RADIATES ADSTRATE*, AIRDATES, SATIATED*, STRIATED*, TARDIEST* 80
10 100 1 6 4 3 10 → 723 721 68 – 63 723
(10 − 3) × 100 + 6 × 4 − 1


90
TTT OSCARVET Cloudy, with too many actors. OVERCAST
11 ZBRKIEIST STRIKE 68 – 70 BRISKET KIBITZERS* 108
12 RHMAEIPRG primage ☓ 68 – 76 REPAIR ARMIGER*, EPIGRAM, GRAPIER* 115
13 NTDQEUESA UNSEATED 76 – 76 QUESTED 123
14 75 9 1 6 10 5 → 934 934 ☓ 76 – 76

CV: 934 = (75 + 9) × (6 + 5) + 10

133
15 ARTGENIUS 76 – 76 SIGNATURE 143
TB LIFEFAIDS FALSIFIED
(2.5 seconds)
86 – 76 143


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