The Countdown Specials

While the title may sound like the birth of an unlikely superhero franchise, it was precisely for this reason that I found myself back in the hot seat on Monday. Around a month ago, I received one of my best emails of 2010 so far; an invite from Countdown series producer Damian Eadie for a special show against archrival Charlie Reams. It was the last of four specials filmed that day, with other lineups including the fascinating Laddiman-Sfyris showdown and downright awe inspiring prospect of Bevins-Davies.

As a veteran of game shows, I can proclaim with no hesitancy that Countdown is a cut above the rest. Even though this was just a friendly encounter to fill up a slot in the calendar at some arbitrary point later in the year, it was another opportunity to experience all the thrills of appearing on my favourite quiz show. The beauty of Countdown is its wide ranging appeal; consider that its target audience consists largely of OAPs and young blooded students. It is the latter which tend to dominate the show as contestants, thanks largely to their willingness and ability to learn endless word stems and number tricks. With a buzzing online community and plethora of real life competitions, Countdown exists well beyond the screen. But there's no doubt that the greatest joy lies as a contestant in the studio itself. With an engaged audience and tons of cameras focussed on you, it's the perfect stage on which to shine.

As always, the experience began long before I even entered the ITV studios in Manchester. Having arrived in the hotel (all expenses paid!) the night before, the sight of the other contestants was a welcome reunion. I was in a self serving form of semi-retirement until I received the invite, from which time I practised enough to be confident of my prospects. I'd neglected the forum in recent months and missed the last few real life tourneys, meaning it'd been a while since I'd last seen the guys.

Countdowners form a special bond for many reasons. For me, it's probably because nobody in my everyday life has enough of an interest to want to discuss or play the game. With this lot though, we did nothing but. Watching series 60 champion Kirk Bevins display his incredible word knowledge was par for the course. Sad, maybe. But my kind of sad - I wouldn't have it any other way.

It was a pleasure to see young Kai Laddiman again (although at 13, not so young anymore). At 11, he wowed the nation by reaching the semi-finals of series 59 (which some joker went on to win). The strange thing is that Countdowners exhibit a childlike excitement for the game, meaning he was anything but out of place amongst us oldies. Aside from his obvious flair for the game and academic prowess (A Level student in Maths already), it's actually his down to Earth demeanour and zest for life that really stands out. Remember the name, because this guy is destined for great things in life. His tussle against Dinos Sfyris, a very likeable and highly capable player, was the perfect example of what makes the game so enjoyable to watch. Dinos recently appeared on The Krypton Factor and his performance has inspired me to apply; more on this later.

Speaking of brilliance, we were treated to the ultimate battle between the two champions of 2009; Kirk Bevins vs Chris Davies. The top two players of our generation and arguably of all time. It did not disappoint and we even got to see Davies solve the Rubick's Cube in 25 seconds (he wasn't quite at his quickest).

And what more can be said about Charlie Reams? Think me but whiter, slightly funnier, not quite as good looking, but equally charming. I've battled with the Cambridge PhD Computer Scientist twice before in two close contests. I edged the series 59 final but he avenged me in the Championship of Champions QF that followed soon after. A decider was always rumoured but to actually get the chance to do it on air was a real privilege. I tend to enjoy our games; decent enough quality but what really sets them apart is the enormous amount of fun we both have. We tend to exchange knowing glances in between every round. This game was perhaps my most watchable, with many twists and turns and a whole load of laughs throughout. I shall say no more.

That night, I found myself talking to Jeff in the hotel. As an eight time marathon runner, he imparted his inspiring words of wisdom on me: "Don't stop during a race. Ever." Fair enough! I stuck around for the Tuesday recordings, mainly in anticipation of the 5000th show, enjoying the games as a spectator. I think this will be my role from now on; I've had more than my fair share of thrills as a contestant. Still, I'll always accept any invite to go back. No other game show is like it. The game is played with such grace and class that it's so hard to let go. Which is probably why I continue to compete online (on Charlie's wonderful site) and in CO-events. It's great to be part of this family and I intend to stick around for a while.

The Mubeen-Reams decider will be aired on August 16.