Am in this afternoon and just had Countdown on - what a brilliant young contestant, only 17 I think and going for the big 8 tomorrow afternoon and having just broken his highest score to register 135. He's so fast when it comes to the anagrams as well...
I pity his fellow contestants in running into this verbal and mathematical maelstrom....
I recall many years ago someone I think was only 12 or 13, Connor (?), he was on one of later problems too, he won the big 8. Oddly, since my OH died in 2020 I can't watch Countdown, or the Archers, they formed our lunchtime routine. Even more oddly I watch 8/10 Cats Does Countdown, he loathed it!
Ronan is excellent not just because he's a very good player but because it's like he's in front of the TV having a friendly game with his gran. Relaxed, focussed, not getting nervous. Oh to be young and fearless again.
His score of 135 was highest he could have scored with the letter and number combinations. Only the third time it's been done in the current 15-round format.
At 17 he must only doing his ‘A’ levels.
I noticed that he is very well mannered, leaning over and offering his hand for a shake both before and after the contest, whereas some other contestants just sit there.