In a historic moment for the popular Channel 4 game show Countdown, forensic accountant Fiona Wood has become the first female champion in 26 years. The 50-year-old from Kinross, Scotland, secured her victory in the tense final on Friday by solving the conundrum word “lassitude,” which means a state of physical or mental weariness.
The show, which has been a staple of British television since Channel 4’s launch in 1982, last crowned a female champion in 1998. After receiving her trophy, Wood expressed her disbelief, saying: “I just can’t believe it. I’m not known for being decisive, and I thought long and hard before I decided to apply, and I’m just so glad that I did.”
Countdown Champion Encourages Women to Apply
Wood credited her decision to apply to encouragement from host Colin Murray and lexicographer Susie Dent, who had been urging older contestants and women to participate. She added, “I have absolutely no regrets about applying and would encourage other women to give it a go.”
In the gripping final, Wood competed against Chris Kirby, who attempted to overturn her lead with an eight-letter word, “promotee.” However, it was disqualified as it wasn’t listed in the dictionary. Kirby recovered with the word “routeing” in another round, keeping the competition tight. Both contestants showed impressive skills, including matching each other with the word “opiates” in one round. Ultimately, Wood claimed the championship with a final score of 96 to Kirby’s 89 after solving the decisive conundrum.
Countdown Sees Rise in Female Applicants
Channel 4 has reported a surge in applications from women, following appeals by Colin Murray, Susie Dent, and mathematician Rachel Riley. Dent, a fixture in the show’s “Dictionary Corner” since 1992, praised Wood’s win, saying: “Fiona delighted us all and gave us one of the very best moments in our 42-year history. This series also reminded us how much Countdown is a show for everyone, and we would encourage anyone who loves the game to apply.”
The series finale guest, actor and former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner Christopher Biggins, described the event as “magical.”
A Legacy of Female Champions
Fiona Wood joins a distinguished list of female champions in the show’s history. The first series, aired in 1982, was won by crossword compiler Joyce Cansfield. Other female winners include Hilary Hopper (1987), Liz Barber (1990), Verity Joubert (1995), and Kate Ogilvie (1998).
A Brief History of Countdown
Countdown, adapted from the French TV show Des Chiffres Et Des Lettres (Numbers and Letters), has had a variety of hosts over the years. Richard Whiteley, Nick Hewer, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling, and Anne Robinson have all served as presenters. Colin Murray was appointed as the permanent host last year.
