Episode CS1997

The Christmas special, broadcast on 25 December 1997, was an episode of Countdown featuring the presenters, Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman (billed as Carol King, her married name) as contestants. It was hosted by William G. Stewart, and featured Dictionary Corner guest Magnus Magnusson and lexicographer Mark Nyman. Susie Dent filled in for Carol as the arithmetician.

The game was a close battle, with Carol living up to her new regal name by winning on a crucial conundrum. Richard later claimed that he had buzzed at the start of the conundrum out of habit, from normally having to press the button to start the clock.

Rounds

Rnd	Selection	Richard Whiteley	Score	Carol King	Others	Max.
1	LNFCKEIOT	LECTION	7 – 0	TINKLE	FLECTION
2	RLERTEEPE	PETER	12 – 5	PETER	REPLETE
3	7 8 2 10 4 25 → 614	607	12 – 15	614 (((10 + 2) x 25) + 7) x (8 / 4)
4	YADIOETPS	SPADE	17 – 20	STAID	DEPOSIT
5	AONWEAGBT	TOWAGE	23 – 26	TOWAGE
6	10 4 1 10 9 100 → 953	952 ((100 - 4) x 10) - (9 - 1)	30 – 33	952 ((100 - 4) x 10) - (9 - 1)	Best: 953 = ((100 + 10 - 4) x 9) - 1
7	LOSTMETIE	(1 second)	30 – 43	MISTLETOE (2 seconds)