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Difference between revisions of "Elliott Mellor"

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[[File:Elliott Mellor.png|thumb|200px|right|Elliott Mellor in [[Series 80]].]]
 
[[File:Elliott Mellor.png|thumb|200px|right|Elliott Mellor in [[Series 80]].]]
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[[File:Elliott Mellor Audience.png|thumb|200px|right|Elliott Mellor solving the conundrum in [[Episode 6949]].]]
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[[File:Elliott Mellor Audience.png|thumb|200px|right|Elliott Mellor solving the [[conundrum]] in [[Episode 6949]].]]
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'''Elliott Mellor''' was an the runner-up of [[Series 80]] and a contestant in [[Championship of Champions XVI]]. When he first appeared in Series 80, he was a Maths Student at Manchester Metropolitan University from Oldham. Considered to be one of the greatest players never to win a series, he has the highest octotal of all time, 1,061. He is also an [[Apterite]] who peaked at No. 1 in the Pro Ranks on Apterous, less than 12 months after joining the site, as well as a member of [[c4countdown]]. He also enjoys tennis.  
+
'''Elliott Mellor''' was an [[octochamp]] in and the runner-up of [[Series 80]], and a quarter-finalist in [[Championship of Champions XVI]]. When he first appeared in Series 80, he was a maths student from {{w|Oldham}}, {{w|Greater Manchester}}, studying at {{w|Manchester Metropolitan University}}. Considered to be one of the greatest players never to win a series, he has the highest octotal of all time: 1,061. He is also an [[Apterous|Apterite]] who peaked at No. 1 in the Pro Ranks on Apterous, less than 12 months after joining the site, as well as a member of [[c4countdown]]. He also enjoys tennis.
  
 
==Appearances on the programme==
 
==Appearances on the programme==
 +
===In the audience===
 +
Arguably one of the most talented and dominant [[Apterous|Apterites]] ever, Mellor made his TV debut on [[Episode 6949|9 November 2018]] as the audience member who solved the [[conundrum]] after a failed attempt from both [[contestant]]s.
 +
 
===Heat games===
 
===Heat games===
−
Arguably one of the most talented and dominant Apterites ever, Mellor made his TV debut on [[Episode 6949|9 November 2018]] as the audience member who solved the conundrum after a failed attempt from both contestants. He then first appeared as a contestant in [[Series 80]] on Thursday 16 May 2019 against 2 game winner [[Arran Cleminson]], maxing 13 rounds and setting the then highest-ever debut score: 131. He spotted impressive word findings such as {{word|TAIAPURE}} and {{word|NEOTERISM}}, while Cleminson scored only in the four numbers rounds. This was the start of, undoubtedly, the greatest octochamp run in ''Countdown'' history.
+
He then first appeared as a contestant in [[Series 80]] on [[Episode 7076|Thursday 16 May 2019]] against two game winner [[Arran Cleminson]], maxing 13 rounds and setting the then highest-ever debut score: 131. He spotted impressive word findings such as {{word|TAIAPURE}} and {{word|NEOTERISM}}, while Cleminson scored only in the four [[numbers game]]s. This was the start of, undoubtedly, the greatest [[octochamp]] run in ''[[Countdown]]'' history.
  
−
The following day, three 9-letter words, {{word|NODALIZES}}, {{word|ANIMATEUR}} and {{word|INFRACTED}}, helped Mellor card the then-highest ever score of 152, toppling [[Zarte Siempre]]'s four-month-old record of 150. Mellor's record stood for 3 years, until [[Tom Stevenson]] bettered it by 2 points in [[Series 86]]. Clips of Elliott's record-breaking game were later shown on ''Gogglebox''. A third consecutive 13-max performance followed, which also marked the first ever consecutive hat trick of scores over 130. During his fifth match, Mellor shattered yet another record by defeating his challenger [[Kieran Matley]] by 133 points, overcoming the previous record winning margin by 21. He was so dominant that five of his eight wins were by over 100, and reduced opponents to scores of just 10 twice on the trot. He also dropped just 3 points from one of his thirty-two numbers rounds, giving him an aggregate score of a record 317 points (out of 320) from the numbers rounds alone in an octochamp run. Mellor wrapped up with a record cumulative score of 1,061 points (132.625 on average) – the first ever over 1,000 – overhauling [[Dylan Taylor]]’s record by 87 points. He scored a massive 97.5% of available points in an octochamp run, by far and away the highest ever percentage. He also became only the eleventh person ever to have solved all eight [[conundrum]]s in their preliminary games.
+
The following day, three [[letters game|nine-letter words]], {{word|NODALIZES}}, {{word|ANIMATEUR}} and {{word|INFRACTED}}, helped Mellor card the then-highest ever score of [[Episode 7077|152]], toppling [[Zarte Siempre]]'s four-month-old record of 150. Mellor's record stood for three years, until [[Tom Stevenson]] bettered it by two points in [[Series 86]]. Clips of Mellor's record-breaking game were later shown on ''{{w|Gogglebox}}''. A third consecutive 13-max performance followed, which also marked the first ever consecutive hat trick of scores over 130. During [[Episode 7080|his fifth match]], Mellor shattered yet another record by defeating his challenger [[Kieran Matley]] by 133 points, overcoming the previous record winning margin by 21. He was so dominant that five of his eight wins were by over 100, and reduced opponents to scores of just 10 twice on the trot. He also dropped just three points from one of his thirty-two numbers rounds, giving him an aggregate score of a record 317 points (out of 320) from the numbers rounds alone in an octochamp run. Mellor wrapped up with a record cumulative score of 1,061 points (132.625 on average) – the first ever over 1,000 – overhauling [[Dylan Taylor]]’s record by 87 points. He scored a massive 97.5% of available points in an octochamp run, by far and away the highest ever percentage. He also became only the eleventh person ever to have solved all eight [[conundrum]]s in their preliminary games.
  
 
===Finals===
 
===Finals===
−
Qualifying as the No. 1 seed, Mellor faced 6-time winner [[Mark Decouto]] in the first quarter-final. Although Mellor never went behind in the game, he undoubtedly faced his toughest opposition to date. Decouto reduced Elliott to a score of 109 to 73, having beaten Mellor with the 8-letter word {{word|PROCLAIM}}. Nevertheless, Mellor beat Decouto comfortably, although Decouto was only 13 points behind by Round 12. Mellor next defeated No. 4-seeded [[Maggie Barlow]] with a commanding performance featuring 13 maxed rounds, including the [[darren|darrenic]] {{word|CAJEPUT}} and {{word|MELODION}} and a sub-second solution on the tricky conundrum {{word|IBURPTOOL}}.
+
Qualifying as the number one seed, Mellor faced six-time winner [[Mark Decouto]] in the [[Episode 7101|first quarter-final]]. Although Mellor never went behind in the game, he undoubtedly faced his toughest opposition to date. Decouto reduced Mellor to a score of 109 to 73, having beaten Mellor with the eight-letter word {{word|PROCLAIM}}. Nevertheless, Mellor beat Decouto comfortably, although Decouto was only 13 points behind by Round 12. Mellor next defeated number four seed [[Maggie Barlow]] in [[Episode 7105|his semi-final]], with a commanding performance featuring 13 maxed rounds, including the [[darren]]ic {{word|CAJEPUT}} and {{word|MELODION}} and a sub-second solution on the tricky [[conundrum]] {{word|IBURPTOOL}}.
−
 
 
−
In the final against No. 2 seed [[Dinos Sfyris]], the game was close under pressure. Mellor lost out on a potential 18 points in the first round after deciding not to risk the nine letter word {{word|FILATURES}}. Sfyris then defeated Mellor in the first numbers game, in which Mellor chose six small, to take the lead. Throughout the game, Mellor clawed his way back to near distance of Sfyris with his plays of {{word|COALISED}} and {{word|DEFROST}}, whilst Sfyris beat him with findings of {{word|TREASURE}} and {{word|GOATISH}} to retain the lead despite a failed attempt to wing it with {{word|forestudy x}}. Ultimately, Sfyris solved a very difficult crucial conundrum – ending Mellor’s run of 10 solved conundrums in a row – and won the series by 20 points to relegate Mellor to runner-up spot. Nonetheless, Mellor broke yet another record set by Siempre two series ago; highest cumulative score – 1,373 points – across a single series (this was bettered by 11 points in [[Series 82]]). Clips of the Grand Final match were shown on ''Celebrity Gogglebox'' on 5 July 2019.
 
  
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===Championship of Champions===
+
In the [[Episode 7107|grand final]] against number two seed [[Dinos Sfyris]], the game was close under pressure. Mellor lost out on a potential 18 points in the first round after deciding not to risk the [[letters game|nine-letter word]] {{word|FILATURES}}. Sfyris then defeated Mellor in the first [[numbers game]], in which Mellor chose six small, to take the lead. Throughout the game, Mellor clawed his way back to near distance of Sfyris with his plays of {{word|COALISED}} and {{word|DEFROST}}, whilst Sfyris beat him with findings of {{word|TREASURE}} and {{word|GOATISH}} to retain the lead, despite a failed attempt to wing it with {{word|forestudy {{x}}}}. Ultimately, Sfyris solved a very difficult crucial conundrum – ending Mellor’s run of 10 solved conundrums in a row – and won the series by 20 points to relegate Mellor to runner-up. Nonetheless, Mellor broke yet another record set by [[Zarte Siempre|Siempre]] two series ago; highest cumulative score – 1,373 points – across a single series (this was bettered by 11 points in [[Series 82]] by [[Luke Johnson-Davies]]). Clips of the grand final match were shown on ''Celebrity {{w|Gogglebox}}'' on 5 July 2019.
−
Mellor returned to the programme in January 2023 for [[Championship of Champions XVI]], where his first game ended up being a [[rematch]] against Sfyris. But this time, Elliott was always one step ahead, with spots like {{word|REGIMENS}}, {{word|GOURMET}} and {{word|ATONIES}} helping Mellor establish an unbeatable lead before the final [[numbers game]], giving him his eleventh [[century]] and securing progression to the quarter-finals.
 
  
−
In his quarter-final appearance, against [[Dan Byrom]], both players levelled in the first two letter rounds before Byrom took a 10 point lead after the first numbers round. However, Mellor later reduced the gap to 4 points after Byrom had {{word|onlier {{x}}}} disallowed, to force a crucial conundrum. However, both players incorrectly guessed, meaning that Byrom progressed to the semi finals with a 106 point win to Mellor's 102 points.
+
===Championship of Champions XVI===
 +
Mellor returned to the programme in January 2023 for [[Championship of Champions XVI]], where [[Episode 7923|his first game]] ended up being a [[rematch]] against Sfyris. But this time, Mellor was always one step ahead, with spots like {{word|REGIMENS}}, {{word|GOURMET}} and {{word|ATONIES}} helping Mellor establish an unbeatable lead before the final [[numbers game]], giving him his eleventh [[century]] and securing progression to the quarter-finals.
  
 +
In [[Episode 7931|his quarter-final]] appearance, against [[Dan Byrom]], both players levelled in the first two [[letters game]]s before Byrom took a 10 point lead after the first numbers round. However, Mellor later reduced the gap to four points after Byrom had {{word|onlier {{x}}}} disallowed, to force a crucial [[conundrum]]. However, both players incorrectly guessed, meaning that Byrom progressed to the semi-finals with a 106 point win to Mellor's 102 points.
  
 
Elliott's final total is 1,585 points, with him accruing 12 centuries, 11 wins, and 2 losses over 13 games.
 
Elliott's final total is 1,585 points, with him accruing 12 centuries, 11 wins, and 2 losses over 13 games.
  
−
==Appearances on ZoomDown==
+
==Appearances on [[ZoomDown]]==
 
===[[ZoomDown Series 1]]===
 
===[[ZoomDown Series 1]]===
−
In 2020, Elliott played against fellow Apterite [[Zubair Patel]] in Series 1 and won with a score of {{score|98|70}}. He beat [[Ed Byrne]] and lost against [[Dan McColm]] with a 98 versus his 111.
+
In 2020, Mellor appeared in Series 1 of ZoomDown, first playing [[Zubair Patel]], and won with a score of {{score|98|70}}. He then beat [[Edward Byrne|Eddy Byrne]] and lost against [[Dan McColm]] with a 98 versus his 111.
  
−
Fortunately, his score of 316 points over two games booked him the #8 seed; this posed a rematch against Dan. Both players matched each other in the first 11 rounds, then Elliott gave Dan the slip with McColm having {{word|airgates {{x}}}} disallowed and Mellor solving a crucial conundrum leaving the scores {{score|123|105}}. He soon faced off against #4 seed [[Conor Travers]], and only beat Conor on a tricky 6 small. Afterward, they matched each other all the way to the conundrums. Unfortunately, Conor solved {{word|PRECISIAN}} and {{word|STITCHERY}} in a combined 5.5 seconds, giving Conor the win of 123 against Elliott's 113.
+
Fortunately, his score of 316 points over two games booked him the number eight seed spot; this posed a rematch against McColm in his quarter-final. Both players matched each other in the first 11 rounds, then Mellor gave McColm the slip with McColm having {{word|airgates {{x}}}} disallowed, and Mellor solving a crucial [[conundrum]], leaving the scores {{score|123|105}}. He then faced off against number four seed [[Conor Travers]] in his semi-final, and only beat Travers on a tricky six small. Afterward, they matched each other all the way to the conundrums. Unfortunately for Mellor, Travers solved {{word|PRECISIAN}} and {{word|STITCHERY}} in a combined 5.5 seconds, giving Travers the win of 123 against Mellor's 113.
  
 
===[[ZoomDown Series 3]]===
 
===[[ZoomDown Series 3]]===
−
In 2021, he appeared again on the 3rd series of ZoomDown. This time he pulled out all the stops as he rocketed up to becoming the number one seed with 509 points.
+
In 2021, he appeared again, on the third series of ZoomDown. This time he pulled out all the stops as he rocketed up to becoming the number one seed with 509 points.
  
−
After making quick business with #8 seed [[Ruth Cappleman]], Elliott was set up with #4 seed [[Graeme Cole]]. In the beginning, each player matched up with one another. However, spots of {{word|VENTAILS}}, {{word|TATAMIS}}, {{word|HEDONIC}}, and, {{word|AILUROID}} helped Mellor almost pull off a max game; no one could unscramble {{word|FOURSTART}} into {{word|ASTROTURF}}, which denied it.
+
After making quick business with number eight seed [[Ruth Cappleman]] in his quarter-final, Mellor was set up with number four seed [[Graeme Cole]] in his semi-final. In the beginning, each player matched up with one another. However, spots of {{word|VENTAILS}}, {{word|TATAMIS}}, {{word|HEDONIC}}, and {{word|AILUROID}} helped Mellor almost pull off a [[max game]]; no one could unscramble {{word|FOURSTART}} into {{word|ASTROTURF}}, which denied it.
  
−
Elliott was then left to face [[Tom Cappleman]], the #6 seed, in the grand final. Despite Elliott beating Tom with {{word|ARRIEROS}}, both players kept side by side with one another with the scoreline being {{score|125|117}} before the conundrum. However, history repeated itself as not only no one could solve the tricky conundrum of {{word|PANTSKIRT}}, but it also denied Elliott of another max game. Regardless, Elliott won the series after the very close match.
+
Mellor was then left to face [[Tom Cappleman]], the number six seed, in the grand final. Despite Mellor beating Cappleman with {{word|ARRIEROS}}, both players kept side by side with one another with the scoreline being {{score|125|117}} before the [[conundrum]]. However, history repeated itself as not only no one could solve the tricky conundrum of {{word|PANTSKIRT}}, but it also denied Mellor of another max game. Regardless, Mellor won the series after the very close match.
  
−
===[[ZoomDown#Numberists_specials|ZoomDown Numberists Special]]===
+
===ZoomDown Numberists specials===
−
In 2020, Mellor was the winner of the inaugural ZoomDown Numberists Special, and in 2021 he won the second Numberists series.
+
In 2020, Mellor was the winner of [[ZoomDown specials#Numberists 1|the inaugural ZoomDown Numberists special]], and in 2021, he won [[ZoomDown specials#Numberists 2|the second Numberists series]].
  
 
===[[ZoomDown Championship of Champions]]===
 
===[[ZoomDown Championship of Champions]]===
−
He then appeared in the ZoomDown Championship of Champions in March 2022, where he started with a {{score|114|77}} win over [[Adam Dexter]]. He then beat [[Jack Worsley]] in the Quarter-Finals, and [[Rob Foster]] in the Semi-Finals, on both occasions solving crucial conundrums to progress.  
+
He then appeared in the ZoomDown Championship of Champions in March 2022, where he started with a {{score|114|77}} win over [[Adam Dexter]]. He then beat [[Jack Worsley]] in the quarter-finals, and [[Rob Foster]] in the semi-finals, on both occasions solving crucial [[conundrum]]s to progress.  
  
−
This led to a Grand Final match-up against [[Conor Travers]]. In a rematch of their [[ZoomDown]] Series 1 Semi-Final, Elliott forced another crucial conundrum being only 1 point behind. However, history once again repeated itself as Travers was the one who solved it to leave Mellor as the ZoomDown Champion of Champions runner-up after a thoroughly gripping contest.
+
This led to a grand final match-up against [[Conor Travers]]. In a rematch of their [[ZoomDown Series 1]] semi-final, Mellor forced another crucial conundrum, being only one point behind. However, history once again repeated itself as Travers was the one who solved it to leave Mellor as the ZoomDown Champion of Champions runner-up after a thoroughly gripping contest.
  
 
==Co-events==
 
==Co-events==
−
Mellor made his Co-event debut at [[Co-Blackpool 2021]], finishing in 12th place.
+
Mellor made his [[Co-event]] debut at [[Co-Blackpool 2021]], finishing in 12th place.
  
 
{{series runner-up|preceded_by=Martin May|followed_by=Jamie Wing|series=80}}
 
{{series runner-up|preceded_by=Martin May|followed_by=Jamie Wing|series=80}}
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==Episodes==
 
==Episodes==
 
{{episode table}}
 
{{episode table}}
−
{{ep | 7076 | 16/05/2019 | P |[[Arran Cleminson]]| 40 – 131 |Elliott Mellor|[[Dr Phil Hammond]]|[[Susie Dent]]|133}}
+
{{ep | 7076 | 16/05/2019 | P |[[Arran Cleminson]]|40 – 131|Elliott Mellor|[[Dr Phil Hammond]]|[[Susie Dent]]|133}}
−
{{ep | 7077 | 17/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 152 – 40 |[[John Hadfield]]|Dr Phil Hammond|Susie Dent|154}}
+
{{ep | 7077 | 17/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|152 – 40|[[John Hadfield]]|Dr Phil Hammond|Susie Dent|154}}
−
{{ep | 7078 | 20/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 133 – 38 |[[Dave Trotter]]|Dr Phil Hammond|Susie Dent|136}}
+
{{ep | 7078 | 20/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|133 – 38|[[Dave Trotter]]|Dr Phil Hammond|Susie Dent|136}}
−
{{ep | 7079 | 21/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 118 – 16 |[[Sam Ashworth]]|[[Jon Culshaw]]|Susie Dent|125}}
+
{{ep | 7079 | 21/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|118 – 16|[[Sam Ashworth]]|[[Jon Culshaw]]|Susie Dent|125}}
−
{{ep | 7080 | 22/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 143 – 10 |[[Kieran Matley]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|145}}
+
{{ep | 7080 | 22/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|143 – 10|[[Kieran Matley]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|145}}
−
{{ep | 7081 | 23/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 126 – 10 |[[Monica Quadri]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|127}}
+
{{ep | 7081 | 23/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|126 – 10|[[Monica Quadri]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|127}}
−
{{ep | 7082 | 24/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 125 – 11 |[[Saul Rothwell]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|134}}
+
{{ep | 7082 | 24/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|125 – 11|[[Saul Rothwell]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|134}}
−
{{ep | 7083 | 27/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor| 133 – 42 |[[Sam Hendry]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|134}}
+
{{ep | 7083 | 27/05/2019 | P |Elliott Mellor|133 – 42|[[Sam Hendry]]|Jon Culshaw|Susie Dent|134}}
−
{{ep | 7101 | 20/06/2019 | QF |Elliott Mellor| 109 – 73 |[[Mark Decouto]]|[[Rufus Hound]]|[[Susie Dent]]|119}}
+
{{ep | 7101 | 20/06/2019 | QF |Elliott Mellor|109 – 73|[[Mark Decouto]]|[[Rufus Hound]]|Susie Dent|119}}
−
{{ep | 7105 | 26/06/2019 | SF |Elliott Mellor| 120 – 80 |[[Maggie Barlow]]|[[Richard Arnold]]|Susie Dent|124}}
+
{{ep | 7105 | 26/06/2019 | SF |Elliott Mellor|120 – 80|[[Maggie Barlow]]|[[Richard Arnold]]|Susie Dent|124}}
−
{{ep | 7107 | 28/06/2019 | GF |Elliott Mellor| 83 – 103 |[[Dinos Sfyris]]|Richard Arnold|Susie Dent|131}}
+
{{ep | 7107 | 28/06/2019 | GF |Elliott Mellor|83 – 103|[[Dinos Sfyris]]|Richard Arnold|Susie Dent|131}}
 
{{ep | 7923 | 03/01/2023 | CP |Dinos Sfyris|88 – 110|Elliott Mellor|[[Richard Osman]]|Susie Dent|122}}
 
{{ep | 7923 | 03/01/2023 | CP |Dinos Sfyris|88 – 110|Elliott Mellor|[[Richard Osman]]|Susie Dent|122}}
 
{{ep | 7931 | 13/01/2023 | CQF |Elliott Mellor|102 – 106|[[Dan Byrom]]|[[Heather Small]]|Susie Dent|124}}
 
{{ep | 7931 | 13/01/2023 | CQF |Elliott Mellor|102 – 106|[[Dan Byrom]]|[[Heather Small]]|Susie Dent|124}}

Latest revision as of 00:20, 14 February 2023

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Elliott Mellor
Octochamp Statistics
Final positionRunner-up
Seeding1
Points total1,061
Conundrums solved8
Elliott Mellor in Series 80.
Elliott Mellor solving the conundrum in Episode 6949.

Elliott Mellor was an octochamp in and the runner-up of Series 80, and a quarter-finalist in Championship of Champions XVI. When he first appeared in Series 80, he was a maths student from Oldham, Greater Manchester, studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. Considered to be one of the greatest players never to win a series, he has the highest octotal of all time: 1,061. He is also an Apterite who peaked at No. 1 in the Pro Ranks on Apterous, less than 12 months after joining the site, as well as a member of c4countdown. He also enjoys tennis.

Appearances on the programme

In the audience

Arguably one of the most talented and dominant Apterites ever, Mellor made his TV debut on 9 November 2018 as the audience member who solved the conundrum after a failed attempt from both contestants.

Heat games

He then first appeared as a contestant in Series 80 on Thursday 16 May 2019 against two game winner Arran Cleminson, maxing 13 rounds and setting the then highest-ever debut score: 131. He spotted impressive word findings such as TAIAPURE and NEOTERISM, while Cleminson scored only in the four numbers games. This was the start of, undoubtedly, the greatest octochamp run in Countdown history.

The following day, three nine-letter words, NODALIZES, ANIMATEUR and INFRACTED, helped Mellor card the then-highest ever score of 152, toppling Zarte Siempre's four-month-old record of 150. Mellor's record stood for three years, until Tom Stevenson bettered it by two points in Series 86. Clips of Mellor's record-breaking game were later shown on Gogglebox. A third consecutive 13-max performance followed, which also marked the first ever consecutive hat trick of scores over 130. During his fifth match, Mellor shattered yet another record by defeating his challenger Kieran Matley by 133 points, overcoming the previous record winning margin by 21. He was so dominant that five of his eight wins were by over 100, and reduced opponents to scores of just 10 twice on the trot. He also dropped just three points from one of his thirty-two numbers rounds, giving him an aggregate score of a record 317 points (out of 320) from the numbers rounds alone in an octochamp run. Mellor wrapped up with a record cumulative score of 1,061 points (132.625 on average) – the first ever over 1,000 – overhauling Dylan Taylor’s record by 87 points. He scored a massive 97.5% of available points in an octochamp run, by far and away the highest ever percentage. He also became only the eleventh person ever to have solved all eight conundrums in their preliminary games.

Finals

Qualifying as the number one seed, Mellor faced six-time winner Mark Decouto in the first quarter-final. Although Mellor never went behind in the game, he undoubtedly faced his toughest opposition to date. Decouto reduced Mellor to a score of 109 to 73, having beaten Mellor with the eight-letter word PROCLAIM. Nevertheless, Mellor beat Decouto comfortably, although Decouto was only 13 points behind by Round 12. Mellor next defeated number four seed Maggie Barlow in his semi-final, with a commanding performance featuring 13 maxed rounds, including the darrenic CAJEPUT and MELODION and a sub-second solution on the tricky conundrum IBURPTOOL.

In the grand final against number two seed Dinos Sfyris, the game was close under pressure. Mellor lost out on a potential 18 points in the first round after deciding not to risk the nine-letter word FILATURES. Sfyris then defeated Mellor in the first numbers game, in which Mellor chose six small, to take the lead. Throughout the game, Mellor clawed his way back to near distance of Sfyris with his plays of COALISED and DEFROST, whilst Sfyris beat him with findings of TREASURE and GOATISH to retain the lead, despite a failed attempt to wing it with forestudy ☓. Ultimately, Sfyris solved a very difficult crucial conundrum – ending Mellor’s run of 10 solved conundrums in a row – and won the series by 20 points to relegate Mellor to runner-up. Nonetheless, Mellor broke yet another record set by Siempre two series ago; highest cumulative score – 1,373 points – across a single series (this was bettered by 11 points in Series 82 by Luke Johnson-Davies). Clips of the grand final match were shown on Celebrity Gogglebox on 5 July 2019.

Championship of Champions XVI

Mellor returned to the programme in January 2023 for Championship of Champions XVI, where his first game ended up being a rematch against Sfyris. But this time, Mellor was always one step ahead, with spots like REGIMENS, GOURMET and ATONIES helping Mellor establish an unbeatable lead before the final numbers game, giving him his eleventh century and securing progression to the quarter-finals.

In his quarter-final appearance, against Dan Byrom, both players levelled in the first two letters games before Byrom took a 10 point lead after the first numbers round. However, Mellor later reduced the gap to four points after Byrom had onlier ☓ disallowed, to force a crucial conundrum. However, both players incorrectly guessed, meaning that Byrom progressed to the semi-finals with a 106 point win to Mellor's 102 points.

Elliott's final total is 1,585 points, with him accruing 12 centuries, 11 wins, and 2 losses over 13 games.

Appearances on ZoomDown

ZoomDown Series 1

In 2020, Mellor appeared in Series 1 of ZoomDown, first playing Zubair Patel, and won with a score of 98 – 70. He then beat Eddy Byrne and lost against Dan McColm with a 98 versus his 111.

Fortunately, his score of 316 points over two games booked him the number eight seed spot; this posed a rematch against McColm in his quarter-final. Both players matched each other in the first 11 rounds, then Mellor gave McColm the slip with McColm having airgates ☓ disallowed, and Mellor solving a crucial conundrum, leaving the scores 123 – 105. He then faced off against number four seed Conor Travers in his semi-final, and only beat Travers on a tricky six small. Afterward, they matched each other all the way to the conundrums. Unfortunately for Mellor, Travers solved PRECISIAN and STITCHERY in a combined 5.5 seconds, giving Travers the win of 123 against Mellor's 113.

ZoomDown Series 3

In 2021, he appeared again, on the third series of ZoomDown. This time he pulled out all the stops as he rocketed up to becoming the number one seed with 509 points.

After making quick business with number eight seed Ruth Cappleman in his quarter-final, Mellor was set up with number four seed Graeme Cole in his semi-final. In the beginning, each player matched up with one another. However, spots of VENTAILS, TATAMIS, HEDONIC, and AILUROID helped Mellor almost pull off a max game; no one could unscramble FOURSTART into ASTROTURF, which denied it.

Mellor was then left to face Tom Cappleman, the number six seed, in the grand final. Despite Mellor beating Cappleman with ARRIEROS, both players kept side by side with one another with the scoreline being 125 – 117 before the conundrum. However, history repeated itself as not only no one could solve the tricky conundrum of PANTSKIRT, but it also denied Mellor of another max game. Regardless, Mellor won the series after the very close match.

ZoomDown Numberists specials

In 2020, Mellor was the winner of the inaugural ZoomDown Numberists special, and in 2021, he won the second Numberists series.

ZoomDown Championship of Champions

He then appeared in the ZoomDown Championship of Champions in March 2022, where he started with a 114 – 77 win over Adam Dexter. He then beat Jack Worsley in the quarter-finals, and Rob Foster in the semi-finals, on both occasions solving crucial conundrums to progress.

This led to a grand final match-up against Conor Travers. In a rematch of their ZoomDown Series 1 semi-final, Mellor forced another crucial conundrum, being only one point behind. However, history once again repeated itself as Travers was the one who solved it to leave Mellor as the ZoomDown Champion of Champions runner-up after a thoroughly gripping contest.

Co-events

Mellor made his Co-event debut at Co-Blackpool 2021, finishing in 12th place.

Preceded by
Martin May		 Series runner-up
Series 80		 Followed by
Jamie Wing

Episodes

# Date Type Contestant 1 Score Contestant 2 Presenters Guest Lex Max
7076 16/05/2019 P Arran Cleminson 40 – 131 Elliott Mellor Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Dr Phil Hammond Susie Dent 133
7077 17/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 152 – 40 John Hadfield Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Dr Phil Hammond Susie Dent 154
7078 20/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 133 – 38 Dave Trotter Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Dr Phil Hammond Susie Dent 136
7079 21/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 118 – 16 Sam Ashworth Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Jon Culshaw Susie Dent 125
7080 22/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 143 – 10 Kieran Matley Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Jon Culshaw Susie Dent 145
7081 23/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 126 – 10 Monica Quadri Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Jon Culshaw Susie Dent 127
7082 24/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 125 – 11 Saul Rothwell Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Jon Culshaw Susie Dent 134
7083 27/05/2019 P Elliott Mellor 133 – 42 Sam Hendry Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Jon Culshaw Susie Dent 134
7101 20/06/2019 QF Elliott Mellor 109 – 73 Mark Decouto Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Rufus Hound Susie Dent 119
7105 26/06/2019 SF Elliott Mellor 120 – 80 Maggie Barlow Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Richard Arnold Susie Dent 124
7107 28/06/2019 GF Elliott Mellor 83 – 103 Dinos Sfyris Nick Hewer Rachel Riley Richard Arnold Susie Dent 131
7923 03/01/2023 CP Dinos Sfyris 88 – 110 Elliott Mellor Colin Murray Rachel Riley Richard Osman Susie Dent 122
7931 13/01/2023 CQF Elliott Mellor 102 – 106 Dan Byrom Colin Murray Rachel Riley Heather Small Susie Dent 124
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