Michael Calder (Series 42)

Michael Calder first appeared on Countdown on 31 January 2000, beating Peter Hindes 59-49 in a nail-biting game, only triumphing after a sudden death conundrum. Michael went on to win a further 7 games, including another via a sudden death conundrum, and returned for the final rounds as and octochamp and #2 seed. He beat Helen Wrigglesworth in the quarter-finals and Terry O'Farrell in the semi-finals, on his way to a final showdown with John Hastings. In the final, Michael got off to a roaring start, spotting the brilliant 9-letter word MYOGLOBIN to take an 18-0 lead, and never looked back. Michael eventually ran out the 101-72 winner, becoming the 42nd champion of Countdown in the process. Michael was invited back for Championship of Champions XI in 2003, but was beaten in the first round by Loz Sands.

Preceded by Scott Mearns

Series winner Series 42

Followed by Graham Nash