Post your audition/filming/transmission dates here

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:20 am

Martin Thompson wrote:Presumably the higher you're ranked in Scrabble the better your chances in Countdown? Unless I'm completely wrong.

Not necessarily, as Scrabble uses the wrong dictionary, which many a decent Scrabbler in the past. And normally, good Scrabblers are hopeless at numbers games too, so no guarantee that a top Scrabbler would be good, unless they know both the Scrabble & Countdown dictionary and is which words are good in both dictionaries.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 12:06 pm

If it means you can find words in jumbled up letters, it should help quite a lot. Unless you take ridiculous risks, then someone who can do that is likely to have a reasonable shot of becoming an octochamp unless they come across somebody else pretty good. There have been many scrabblers that have been pretty decent at Countdown.

Ciaran McCarthy · Post by **Ciaran McCarthy** » Tue Feb 18, 2014 1:54 pm

Jason Turner mentioned to me while we are playing, he will be auditioning in Leeds on March 7th....will be good to see him on the sow because he seem decent player in apterous

Andrew Sullivan · Post by **Andrew Sullivan** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:58 pm

I had my audition back in November and I'm slotted in for the 4th game of the day on March 24th, so between now and then, I plan to get as much practice as I can

Ciaran McCarthy · Post by **Ciaran McCarthy** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:42 pm

Watch out.....i will be on air on Monday 14th April

Dave Nicholson · Post by **Dave Nicholson** » Fri Mar 07, 2014 3:30 pm

From experience, how long do they normally take to let you know if you got through an audition?

I just had mine, played solidly mostly but had one fantastic round (beat 8 others in the room) and one mare (1 off a reasonably simple numbers) so I'm not sure either way at all.

Am I going to have a week of torture or will they tell me soon?!

Callum Todd · Post by **Callum Todd** » Fri Mar 07, 2014 4:11 pm

Dave Nicholson wrote:From experience, how long do they normally take to let you know if you got through an audition?

I just had mine, played solidly mostly but had one fantastic round (beat 8 others in the room) and one mare (1 off a reasonably simple numbers) so I'm not sure either way at all.

Am I going to have a week of torture or will they tell me soon?!

I was told that they'd inform me within a week, and they contacted me 4 days later, I think. So you'll probably hear from them within one week, and by the sounds of it it'll be good news! Well done, and good luck

Dave Nicholson · Post by **Dave Nicholson** » Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:18 pm

Callum Todd wrote:
Dave Nicholson wrote:From experience, how long do they normally take to let you know if you got through an audition?

I just had mine, played solidly mostly but had one fantastic round (beat 8 others in the room) and one mare (1 off a reasonably simple numbers) so I'm not sure either way at all.

Am I going to have a week of torture or will they tell me soon?!
I was told that they'd inform me within a week, and they contacted me 4 days later, I think. So you'll probably hear from them within one week, and by the sounds of it it'll be good news! Well done, and good luck

Cheers! I hope so!

It's so frustrating as if I'd got that numbers round, and therefore maxed the 2 numbers we did (got a simple 6 small that a few didn't get due to it being 6 small) then I'd be very confident but from their point of view my numbers must seem weaker than they really are as I'd genuinely have got that 90% of the time.

I suppose that's the nature of any audition, it certainly could have gone worse anyway.

Andrew Sullivan · Post by **Andrew Sullivan** » Sun Mar 09, 2014 8:03 pm

Dave Nicholson wrote:
Callum Todd wrote:
Dave Nicholson wrote:From experience, how long do they normally take to let you know if you got through an audition?

I just had mine, played solidly mostly but had one fantastic round (beat 8 others in the room) and one mare (1 off a reasonably simple numbers) so I'm not sure either way at all.

Am I going to have a week of torture or will they tell me soon?!
I was told that they'd inform me within a week, and they contacted me 4 days later, I think. So you'll probably hear from them within one week, and by the sounds of it it'll be good news! Well done, and good luck
Cheers! I hope so!

It's so frustrating as if I'd got that numbers round, and therefore maxed the 2 numbers we did (got a simple 6 small that a few didn't get due to it being 6 small) then I'd be very confident but from their point of view my numbers must seem weaker than they really are as I'd genuinely have got that 90% of the time.

I suppose that's the nature of any audition, it certainly could have gone worse anyway.

Well, when I auditioned, I got 4 7-letter words and a 6-letter word, got one of the number games exact and the other just 1 away and got 1 out of the 2 Conundrums, and I passed, so if you've done as good or better than me, then you'll certainly have passed

jason turner · Post by **jason turner** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 9:41 am

Had a total nightmare audition. Arrived late due to having to turn back half way to Leeds the Mrs thought she'd left hair straighteners on

Hit every red light on way. Petrol gauge light blinking furiously.
Got into reception 10 mins after supposed start time. Had to call up and make sure I could still get seen.
Damian was sent down and had to walk me up to room where everyone was already seated and raring to go.
Me totally stressed!
Spotted 2 max letters from 4, both numbers and neither conundrum(easy ones too)
So no chance, I'll try again in a few months.

Well that was what Ithought. Got E-mail yesterday(one of the cons lol) to say I'd passed.

Really nice feeling. so will hopefully speak to Holly next week and she'll confirm what goes on from here.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 11:06 am

Nice work. Were the hair straighteners on?

jason turner · Post by **jason turner** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:04 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:Nice work. Were the hair straighteners on?

NO

Oh how we laughed!!

Dave Nicholson · Post by **Dave Nicholson** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 5:29 pm

Congrats Jason, sounds like you had the same rounds as I did in the afternoon.

Delighted to find out yesterday that I've also passed! Good day all round then!

Can't wait to get a filming date!

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Mon Mar 24, 2014 6:57 am

Congratulations Jason and Dave. Finding out you've passed on the same day..... mmmm

another all apterite clash beckons me thinks.

Andrew Sullivan · Post by **Andrew Sullivan** » Mon Mar 24, 2014 8:16 am

Well, today's the day that I face my letters and numbers-based destiny. I'm hopeful that the practice I've put in will pay dividends for me. Good luck to all those that are going through the auditioning process and those that have had their auditions and are awaiting their results.

EDIT - Filming done, look out for me on May 27th

jason turner · Post by **jason turner** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 3:39 pm

Just had a call off Holly, Filming on 23rd April. got first slot at 1030.

Jordan F · Post by **Jordan F** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 4:03 pm

Part of Series 70 still or would it sneak into 71?

jason turner · Post by **jason turner** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 4:14 pm

Must be 71, Said if I got to finals filming would be November.

Dave Nicholson · Post by **Dave Nicholson** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 4:47 pm

I am the last slot on the 24th! So Jason I'll just miss playing you, even if you become an Octochamp, but I might meet you on the Friday if you last out the whole day (I won't tell anyone!)

jason turner · Post by **jason turner** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 5:59 pm

Dave Nicholson wrote:I am the last slot on the 24th! So Jason I'll just miss playing you, even if you become an Octochamp, but I might meet you on the Friday if you last out the whole day (I won't tell anyone!)

Great News Dave, well done

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:01 pm

My audition is this Friday 10.30am. Wish I'd made it a bit later in the day now!

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:10 pm

Paul Worsley wrote:My audition is this Friday 10.30am. Wish I'd made it a bit later in the day now!

Good luck Paul.

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 6:44 pm

Thanks

Will Jeffcott · Post by **Will Jeffcott** » Fri Apr 11, 2014 11:26 am

Auditioning in about 5 minutes, wish me luck!

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Fri Apr 11, 2014 10:31 pm

Will Jeffcott wrote:Auditioning in about 5 minutes, wish me luck!

Would have done if we'd known Will. Hope it went well and you passed.

Dave Preece · Post by **Dave Preece** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 3:41 pm

Can anyone post an example of audition rounds please, as I'm assuming its quite easy to get on judging by the standard recently?

Graeme Cole · Post by **Graeme Cole** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 7:04 pm

Dave Preece wrote:Can anyone post an example of audition rounds please, as I'm assuming its quite easy to get on judging by the standard recently?

I don't think it's a good idea to post recent audition tests, in case any upcoming applicants happen to be given that test. I'm pretty sure they don't make a new set of rounds for every person who applies, but I don't know how long they keep using the same questions before they replace them with a new set.

Also, I think it should be made a rule that anyone who hasn't been on the show but still comments negatively about "the standard recently" and that "it must be quite easy to get on" must apply themselves.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 7:38 pm

Dave Preece wrote:Can anyone post an example of audition rounds please, as I'm assuming its quite easy to get on judging by the standard recently?

Yeah, yesterday's game between Mark and Ciaran was fucking shit.

Here's one.

My audition was similar, by which I mean the letters weren't your average TV/apterous letters rounds. They deliberately contain an 8 or two, maybe a 9, but generally not something like RELATIONS, you're looking for a common word (usage-wise) but uncommon in Countdown selections. I reckon knowing that really helps. I did fucking shit in the audition, but if I was looking at rounds knowing they contained an 8 or 9 (and a word I knew, not NAARTJIES, which I don't know) I'd have done a lot better. I was just happy to get a 6 from ABGLNOTUW, while Heather Culpin fished out the 8 and I was left thinking "shit, I'm well out of depth here".

Heather Styles · Post by **Heather Styles** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 10:41 pm

"I think it should be made a rule that anyone who hasn't been on the show but still comments negatively about "the standard recently" and that "it must be quite easy to get on" must apply themselves.

"

Amen.

Dave Preece · Post by **Dave Preece** » Wed Apr 16, 2014 3:54 am

Jon Corby wrote:
Dave Preece wrote:Can anyone post an example of audition rounds please, as I'm assuming its quite easy to get on judging by the standard recently?
Yeah, yesterday's game between Mark and Ciaran was fucking shit.

Here's one.

My audition was similar, by which I mean the letters weren't your average TV/apterous letters rounds. They deliberately contain an 8 or two, maybe a 9, but generally not something like RELATIONS, you're looking for a common word (usage-wise) but uncommon in Countdown selections. I reckon knowing that really helps. I did fucking shit in the audition, but if I was looking at rounds knowing they contained an 8 or 9 (and a word I knew, not NAARTJIES, which I don't know) I'd have done a lot better. I was just happy to get a 6 from ABGLNOTUW, while Heather Culpin fished out the 8 and I was left thinking "shit, I'm well out of depth here".

I'm embarrassed; but not really THAT surprised to say: I scored 84

I'm almost CERTAIN I'd get on the show with that result though!

Dave Preece · Post by **Dave Preece** » Wed Apr 16, 2014 3:57 am

Heather Styles wrote:"I think it should be made a rule that anyone who hasn't been on the show but still comments negatively about "the standard recently" and that "it must be quite easy to get on" must apply themselves. "

Amen.

15 to 1 must be a tad easy too now-a-days

Dave Nicholson · Post by **Dave Nicholson** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:43 pm

The first episode of the Dave Nicholson countdown experience will be aired on 7th August (I think). Will it be the start of a recordbreaking Octorun? Will I burst into tears with everyone looking at me and score no points? Will something else happen?

Who knows?

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Sun May 11, 2014 11:22 am

I think I've heard in the past that auditions are now done over the phone; is this true or do they still do them at a hotel with about half a dozen people?

When I auditioned it took 11 months between applying and getting an audition. I remember emailing Damian to 9 months in to check my application hadn't been lost and then had a response to say I'd be invited to the next set 2 months later. As I was based in London I guess there probably would have been a higher number of applicants hence the long wait. But once I'd passed I did get confirmation of a filming date about 3 weeks later to film in a months time.

As there seems to be more ex-contestants being allowed back on, does anyone know if they have to re-audition? I have also had the impression that certainly for players who have the potential to be a big hitter, the time passing and getting on has taken a while (maybe up to several months) especially as I've no doubt the people carrying out the auditions and sorting the order of play can just check Apterous and find out who the big hitters are. Whether that's because letting big hitters on earlier might create a top heavy series finals or making the following series a great standard which would accommodate 2-3 big hitters. If anyone wants to fill me in I'd be grateful

Graeme Cole · Post by **Graeme Cole** » Sun May 11, 2014 1:11 pm

Tom wrote:I think I've heard in the past that auditions are now done over the phone; is this true or do they still do them at a hotel with about half a dozen people?

Some (most?) auditions are now done over the phone, but in-person auditions still happen. In my case, they explained that they weren't going to be doing in-person auditions near me for ages, so they offered me the phone audition.

Tom wrote:When I auditioned it took 11 months between applying and getting an audition. I remember emailing Damian to 9 months in to check my application hadn't been lost and then had a response to say I'd be invited to the next set 2 months later. As I was based in London I guess there probably would have been a higher number of applicants hence the long wait. But once I'd passed I did get confirmation of a filming date about 3 weeks later to film in a months time.

As there seems to be more ex-contestants being allowed back on, does anyone know if they have to re-audition? I have also had the impression that certainly for players who have the potential to be a big hitter, the time passing and getting on has taken a while (maybe up to several months) especially as I've no doubt the people carrying out the auditions and sorting the order of play can just check Apterous and find out who the big hitters are. Whether that's because letting big hitters on earlier might create a top heavy series finals or making the following series a great standard which would accommodate 2-3 big hitters. If anyone wants to fill me in I'd be grateful

It's been rumoured before that they look up applicants on apterous, and until a couple of years ago I and many others assumed this was the norm. However, Damian later said that they hardly ever research applicants on apterous, if at all. There have been one or two occasions in the past where apterous players have been asked to wait for the next series for one reason or another, but I don't believe that applicants are deliberately placed at any particular point in the running order because of their perceived strength at the game (see this post on the subject).

Sometimes applicants are offered a recording date immediately after their audition. Other times, applicants don't hear back for ages. It might seem like most of the people in the latter category are apterous players, but that's probably because most of the stories we hear about the application experience are from people on this forum, and a lot of the people on this forum play on apterous.

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:02 am

Filming on the 29th July!

John Vivian · Post by **John Vivian** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:22 pm

Will be filming on 20th August. Paul - I assume this means we'll be avoiding each other.

Paul Worsley · Post by **Paul Worsley** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:07 pm

John Vivian wrote:Will be filming on 20th August. Paul - I assume this means we'll be avoiding each other.

I would say so, unless I win 28 games in a row. Maybe see you in the finals, John!

Julia Hayward · Post by **Julia Hayward** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:06 pm

Just back from filming. They did say that there's big blocks of time over the summer where Nick is required for The Apprentice, so don't assume there are many (or even any) other filmings between 29th July and 20th August!

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 6:18 pm

They are recording on the 30th July, and 18th and 19th August, but apart from those 2 weeks, that's all until 15th September.

(Source: Just got recording dates from audience coordinator

)

Dan McColm · Post by **Dan McColm** » Wed Jul 23, 2014 1:01 pm

3rd episode on the 19th August, broadcast date 10th October

Julia Hayward · Post by **Julia Hayward** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 6:42 pm

I'm on the broadcast on Monday 11th August...

George Pryn · Post by **George Pryn** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 12:47 am

HI EVERYONE HOPE YOU ARE ALL WELL

broadcast date: 23rd October

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 5:14 pm

I've got an audition date tomorrow.

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 11:59 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote:I've got an audition date tomorrow.

Good luck!

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue Nov 11, 2014 5:40 pm

Adam Gillard wrote:
Rhys Benjamin wrote:I've got an audition date tomorrow.
Good luck!

Passed! Feedback was immediate.

Haven't been given a filming date but "around March" is their prediction.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Nov 11, 2014 6:13 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote:
Adam Gillard wrote:
Rhys Benjamin wrote:I've got an audition date tomorrow.
Good luck!
Passed! Feedback was immediate.

Haven't been given a filming date but "around March" is their prediction.

Nice work, Rhys. As I said after the Fulham game, I'll come and give you support, should you want it.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:13 pm

James Robinson wrote:
Rhys Benjamin wrote:
Adam Gillard wrote:Good luck!
Passed! Feedback was immediate.

Haven't been given a filming date but "around March" is their prediction.
Nice work, Rhys. As I said after the Fulham game, I'll come and give you support, should you want it.

If it is March, I wonder if that would be Series 72 or 73? If it's 72, I'm worried that I wouldn't be able to make the recording dates for the finals if they're in April/May, should I get that far!

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 11:51 pm

Rhys Benjamin wrote:
James Robinson wrote:
Rhys Benjamin wrote:Passed! Feedback was immediate.

Haven't been given a filming date but "around March" is their prediction.
Nice work, Rhys. As I said after the Fulham game, I'll come and give you support, should you want it.
If it is March, I wonder if that would be Series 72 or 73? If it's 72, I'm worried that I wouldn't be able to make the recording dates for the finals if they're in April/May, should I get that far!

If it's March, I'd say it's almost guaranteed to be S72, then with the finals in April/May, as you suggest.

Rhys Benjamin · Post by **Rhys Benjamin** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:57 pm

James Robinson wrote:
Rhys Benjamin wrote:
James Robinson wrote: Nice work, Rhys. As I said after the Fulham game, I'll come and give you support, should you want it.
If it is March, I wonder if that would be Series 72 or 73? If it's 72, I'm worried that I wouldn't be able to make the recording dates for the finals if they're in April/May, should I get that far!
If it's March, I'd say it's almost guaranteed to be S72, then with the finals in April/May, as you suggest.

Giving this some extra thought, I specified I wouldn't be around then on my application - finals filmed at end of March ad transmitted in May, cramming in COC14 in the summer?

Thomas Cappleman · Post by **Thomas Cappleman** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 1:39 pm

When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 1:42 pm

Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past?

After they've happened?

Graeme Cole · Post by **Graeme Cole** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:45 pm

Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past?

They all have.

Graeme Cole · Post by **Graeme Cole** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:46 pm

I just reread Corby's post and realise now he was doing the same joke. Move along.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 7:05 pm

Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)

Excellent work, Thomas. Will be good to see get your 2nd go.

Adam Gillard · Post by **Adam Gillard** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 8:59 pm

James Robinson wrote:
Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)
Excellent work, Thomas. Will be good to see get your 2nd go.

Not calling dibs on T-Cap's recap, James?

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:16 pm

Adam Gillard wrote:
James Robinson wrote:
Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)
Excellent work, Thomas. Will be good to see get your 2nd go.
Not calling dibs on T-Cap's recap, James?

That seems to be a pessimistic view on how Thomas will do, AG.

Anthony Endsor · Post by **Anthony Endsor** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:05 pm

Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)

Thomas, in the past finals have tended to be filmed at the beginning of May, so if it's the other half you're away for, you'll be ok

James Laverty · Post by **James Laverty** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:09 am

Anthony Endsor wrote:
Thomas Cappleman wrote:When have finals for the first series in the year been in the past? I'm also hopefully in the next series (passed audition in August, but no date yet), and potentially away for half of May. (Again, checking in case things go well)
Thomas, in the past finals have tended to be filmed at the beginning of May, so if it's the other half you're away for, you'll be ok

Last years were filmed in early April, but there was a complete two month break in May and June while Nick was filming the Apprentice so could depend on when Lord Sugar wants to point the finger at people

Thomas Cappleman · Post by **Thomas Cappleman** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 3:12 pm

Got a filming date now - Tuesday 3rd Feb, hopefully continuing to the next day

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 6:04 pm

Thomas Cappleman wrote:Got a filming date now - Tuesday 3rd Feb, hopefully continuing to the next day

Nice work, Thomas.