Episode 8703

Episode 8703 was broadcast on 13 February 2026, as part of Series 93.

Henry Craven played John Player, with John Player winning 98 – 84. The Dictionary Corner guest was Mel Schilling, and the lexicographer was Susie Dent.

Rounds

Rnd	Selection	Henry Craven	Score	John Player	Others	Max.
1	RETOHULRI	HOLIER	6 – 0	hotter ☓	ULTERIOR*	8
2	YNIDAESTA	STAINED	13 – 7	DETAINS	ASYNDETA*	16
3	25 7 10 2 6 3 → 407	407 (10 + 6) x 25 + 7	23 – 17	407 (10 + 6) x 25 + 7		26
TTT	READRANT	She read out what she had to say — no ranting.			NARRATED
4	GRLEOEDIP	PLEDGER	30 – 24	PLEDGER	DEPLORE, DOGPILE, GLORIED, GODLIER, PLEDGOR, PODGIER, REPLIED	33
5	WAMLUITRA	ATRIUM	30 – 31	MARITAL	MARTIAL*	40
6	75 9 3 10 5 4 → 209	209 (75 − 5) x 3 − (10 − 9)	40 – 41	209 5 x 4 x 10 + 9		50
7	SPETONISG	POSTINGS	48 – 41	posseting ☓	SPONGIEST	68
8	CLAEARDES	relaced ☓	48 – 49	DESCALER	CALDERAS, DECLARES, ESCALADE, RESCALED	76
9	75 1 5 2 4 5 → 282	282 (75 − 5) x 4 + 2	58 – 59	282 (75 − 5) x 4 + 2		86
TTT	ABLETRUE	It's true, this bird is able to fight — it's in the name.			BATELEUR
10	PSUEOJNRN	PRUNES	64 – 65	PRUNES	UNPERSON	94
11	DTOIMAXCE	COATED	70 – 71	COATED	TOXAEMIC*	102
12	RSNWAEOEN	WEANERS	77 – 71	ANSWER	ENSNARE*	109
13	TRUGESOMG	MUGGERS	84 – 78	MUGGERS	GOURMETS	117
14	50 100 10 2 4 2 → 622	620	84 – 88	622 (100 + 2) x (4 + 2) + 10		127
15	VIPERWEED		84 – 98	PREVIEWED (2.5 seconds)		137