Cabbie Gary feels the pressure on Countdown

Gary Cohen, 49, of Chiltern Crescent, Durrington, has watched the long-running Channel Four programme for 32 years and his bucket list includes an appearance on the show.

The father-of-four filmed his episode at Media City UK in Salford Quays on Monday.

Gary, who is also the match day announcer for Worthing Football Club, said: “I had a really good time. I was all right for the first four or five rounds but then the nerves kicked in.

“I probably messed a couple of rounds up because of the pressure.

“Rachel (Riley; mathematician and glamorous assistant) and Susie (Dent; resident lexicographer)were lovely and made you feel at home. The guy in dictionary corner was a top bloke.”

Countdown, which is presented by former Apprentice star Nick Hewer, pits two contestants against one another over a number of word and number puzzles.

“It’s filmed totally differently to what you see on TV,” said Gary.

“They do two or three rounds, have a five-minute break and then another three or four rounds. It’s very well planned.”

He applied to appear on the programme ten months ago and underwent two preliminary rounds before being selected to appear on the show.

Following his appearance, he was given a goodie bag containing a Countdown clock, stationery and a large Oxford English dictionary.

Gary’s episode will air on May 25.