Getting back on for a second go
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I probably had a better chance of doing well pre apterous as the standards in the last 15 to 20 years have improved immensely
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Oh massively - apto has made the standard truly ridiculous. Some amazing players pre apto but it's genuinely night and day levels at the moment.Marc Meakin wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:18 am I probably had a better chance of doing well pre apterous as the standards in the last 15 to 20 years have improved immensely
Quite sad about that still!
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Obviously true for the top players. But I'm not sure it's true for the rest - there's probably an 'Ask Graeme' in there.Adam S Latchford wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:28 amOh massively - apto has made the standard truly ridiculous. Some amazing players pre apto but it's genuinely night and day levels at the moment.Marc Meakin wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:18 am I probably had a better chance of doing well pre apterous as the standards in the last 15 to 20 years have improved immensely
Quite sad about that still!
It's more than just apterous though. The print dictionary was the only prize of any real value, so I don't suppose many people would have bought one beforehand. So if you were watching an episode and came up with a DC beater there was no way of checking it was actually valid. I do remember spotting something like DILATORS once and going into WH Smiths in my lunchtime the following day to see if it was OK.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Print dictionaries were quite a common household item back in the olden days! And Oxford one of the more common brands. I don't think people would have decided not to buy one because they might go on Countdown in a few years if they get round to it.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I don't think many people would have shelled out for something like the NODE. I think I used to have a ten year-old Concise Oxford Dictionary and a Collins Dictionary that pre-dated the invention of the aeroplane.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I think I got a NODE for Christmas about 20 years ago.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I bought my wife the Ninth edition of the Concise twenty odd years ago for her Christmas present as she had just introduced me to Countdown. She wasn't amused!
I thought I was good at Countdown until I joined this forum
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
For the avoidance of doubt, this was 100% a joke, Matt and Dinos's second appearances were fully above board, and I'm *really* intrigued to find out who has actually done thisSteve Hyde wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:51 pmThey're a sneaky pair are Kostadinos Sfyris and Matt CroyDame Eadie wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:00 pm
We've even had people use different names 2nd time around to avoid detection.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I can confirm that I was not one of these culprits in case you were wondering I was very clear on my application form for my second stint of my name change.
In terms of this conversation in general, I consider myself very privileged to have had 2 stints on the show. Like a lot of people, I discovered Apterous after I had passed my initial audition in 2011, so I didn't have a lot of time to practise before filming. I was asked to be a standby contestant due to living close to the studios so I got on quite quickly; somehow I managed to win 5 shows but didn't make the finals. I was even invited back for a one off special the year after (which ended up being shown at 6am 2½ years later). At the time, I genuinely thought that was that for appearing on the show.
For me, the realisation that I could possibly be considered to go back on again was Zarte's reappearance, considering he had also won 5 shows and also didn't make the series finals. I decided to wait the official/unofficial 10 years until attempting so and just thought 'why not, they can only say No'. Just because Zarte had gone back on, I didn't have any expectation that I would be allowed back on too as I understood it's purely at the discretion of the CD crew. It took about 6 months between applying and getting an email inviting me for an audition, then being a standby contestant again and getting back on in Series 85. I almost lost my first game of my return, but thanks to spotting MALONATES in the last letters game (of which I learnt from Apterous of course) I won and ended up being the series runner-up, the icing on the cake was then to be asked back for CoC recently too.
I would say, I did put a lot of pressure on myself to do better second time round. I knew I was a better player, but it all depends who you are facing on the day. I remember during my Octorun checking all the names on the outside of the other dressing room doors to see if I recognised them from Apterous
For me personally, I feel very very lucky to have been on 19 shows of Countdown and I have memories that will last with me forever and I'm eternally grateful to Damian and the rest of the crew for allowing me to have another stint. They're all a friendly bunch and you really do feel welcomed into the Countdown family when you are there. I would encourage anyone who has been on before to apply, the worst that can happen is they say No.
Steve Hyde wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:40 pmFor the avoidance of doubt, this was 100% a joke, Matt and Dinos's second appearances were fully above board, and I'm *really* intrigued to find out who has actually done thisSteve Hyde wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:51 pmThey're a sneaky pair are Kostadinos Sfyris and Matt CroyDame Eadie wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:00 pm
We've even had people use different names 2nd time around to avoid detection.
In terms of this conversation in general, I consider myself very privileged to have had 2 stints on the show. Like a lot of people, I discovered Apterous after I had passed my initial audition in 2011, so I didn't have a lot of time to practise before filming. I was asked to be a standby contestant due to living close to the studios so I got on quite quickly; somehow I managed to win 5 shows but didn't make the finals. I was even invited back for a one off special the year after (which ended up being shown at 6am 2½ years later). At the time, I genuinely thought that was that for appearing on the show.
For me, the realisation that I could possibly be considered to go back on again was Zarte's reappearance, considering he had also won 5 shows and also didn't make the series finals. I decided to wait the official/unofficial 10 years until attempting so and just thought 'why not, they can only say No'. Just because Zarte had gone back on, I didn't have any expectation that I would be allowed back on too as I understood it's purely at the discretion of the CD crew. It took about 6 months between applying and getting an email inviting me for an audition, then being a standby contestant again and getting back on in Series 85. I almost lost my first game of my return, but thanks to spotting MALONATES in the last letters game (of which I learnt from Apterous of course) I won and ended up being the series runner-up, the icing on the cake was then to be asked back for CoC recently too.
I would say, I did put a lot of pressure on myself to do better second time round. I knew I was a better player, but it all depends who you are facing on the day. I remember during my Octorun checking all the names on the outside of the other dressing room doors to see if I recognised them from Apterous
For me personally, I feel very very lucky to have been on 19 shows of Countdown and I have memories that will last with me forever and I'm eternally grateful to Damian and the rest of the crew for allowing me to have another stint. They're all a friendly bunch and you really do feel welcomed into the Countdown family when you are there. I would encourage anyone who has been on before to apply, the worst that can happen is they say No.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I'm already considering the name change option, I won't go for a gender change though.
Although according to Marks and Spencer, I identify as "serves 4"
Although according to Marks and Spencer, I identify as "serves 4"
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Was Series 12's Karl Kurdistan (formerly Series 1's Saladin Khoshnaw) a slip-through or was the team aware?
I'm not dead yet. In a rut right now because of stress from work. I'll be back later in S89. I also plan to bring back the Mastergram - if I can find a way to run a timer or clock through pure MediaWiki without having to upload to Vimeo every time.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I'm sure I read a thing about him being allowed back on for diversity reasons or something.Johnny Canuck wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:57 pm Was Series 12's Karl Kurdistan (formerly Series 1's Saladin Khoshnaw) a slip-through or was the team aware?
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
https://world-scrabble.yahoogroups.nark ... l-khoshnawGavin Chipper wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 11:07 pmI'm sure I read a thing about him being allowed back on for diversity reasons or something.Johnny Canuck wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:57 pm Was Series 12's Karl Kurdistan (formerly Series 1's Saladin Khoshnaw) a slip-through or was the team aware?
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Nice find.
Re: Getting back on for a second go
Trevor Montague appeared on Fifteen-to-One in 1990, and again in 1992 under a different name and while wearing a disguise. At the time losers couldn’t take part again. He was eventually sued after a viewer spotted his tactic on a Challenge repeat. He did the same tactic on The Krypton Factor but this wasn’t noticed.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I did think of him actually. Considered posting but didn't get round to it!
I didn't know this though. But he someone must have noticed at some point because you know about it!He did the same tactic on The Krypton Factor but this wasn’t noticed.
Re: Getting back on for a second go
‘Wasn’t’ being the operative word.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:58 amI did think of him actually. Considered posting but didn't get round to it!I didn't know this though. But he someone must have noticed at some point because you know about it!He did the same tactic on The Krypton Factor but this wasn’t noticed.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
IIRC, Montague was sued by W.G Stewart for winning a trophy, not for taking part in disguise.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Sounds realistic. I don't think someone sneaking on a gameshow against the rules would go to court. Obtaining something of value through deception is a much bigger deal.samir pilica wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:01 am IIRC, Montague was sued by W.G Stewart for winning a trophy, not for taking part in disguise.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Stewart was very fond of those trophies, which he chose himself. Not sure if he himself paid for it. Probably not, looked quite pricey antiques. Remember him harping on endlessly about Elgin Marbles…
Re: Getting back on for a second go
What about the bloke who pretended to be Scottish to get on the X factor twice?
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
I don't have any regrets in reapplying so glad that I did it and even happier when I bagged the teapot !
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
In unrelated news, I've just found my long lost identical twin...
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Did you go on holiday to find yourself
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
You encouraged me have to another go at Countdown , I am so glad that I made that decision after you and others pushed me hard to reapply, David Barnard and you said I would smash it ! and I did exactly that ! As you have said in your thread Damian and company are really nice and always make you feel at ease, Nonetheless It is a great experience and I recommend it highly !Matt OConnor wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:29 pm I can confirm that I was not one of these culprits in case you were wondering I was very clear on my application form for my second stint of my name change.
Steve Hyde wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:40 pmFor the avoidance of doubt, this was 100% a joke, Matt and Dinos's second appearances were fully above board, and I'm *really* intrigued to find out who has actually done thisSteve Hyde wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:51 pm
They're a sneaky pair are Kostadinos Sfyris and Matt Croy
In terms of this conversation in general, I consider myself very privileged to have had 2 stints on the show. Like a lot of people, I discovered Apterous after I had passed my initial audition in 2011, so I didn't have a lot of time to practise before filming. I was asked to be a standby contestant due to living close to the studios so I got on quite quickly; somehow I managed to win 5 shows but didn't make the finals. I was even invited back for a one off special the year after (which ended up being shown at 6am 2½ years later). At the time, I genuinely thought that was that for appearing on the show.
For me, the realisation that I could possibly be considered to go back on again was Zarte's reappearance, considering he had also won 5 shows and also didn't make the series finals. I decided to wait the official/unofficial 10 years until attempting so and just thought 'why not, they can only say No'. Just because Zarte had gone back on, I didn't have any expectation that I would be allowed back on too as I understood it's purely at the discretion of the CD crew. It took about 6 months between applying and getting an email inviting me for an audition, then being a standby contestant again and getting back on in Series 85. I almost lost my first game of my return, but thanks to spotting MALONATES in the last letters game (of which I learnt from Apterous of course) I won and ended up being the series runner-up, the icing on the cake was then to be asked back for CoC recently too.
I would say, I did put a lot of pressure on myself to do better second time round. I knew I was a better player, but it all depends who you are facing on the day. I remember during my Octorun checking all the names on the outside of the other dressing room doors to see if I recognised them from Apterous
For me personally, I feel very very lucky to have been on 19 shows of Countdown and I have memories that will last with me forever and I'm eternally grateful to Damian and the rest of the crew for allowing me to have another stint. They're all a friendly bunch and you really do feel welcomed into the Countdown family when you are there. I would encourage anyone who has been on before to apply, the worst that can happen is they say No.
Last edited by Tracey Anne Mills on Mon May 08, 2023 3:13 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Tracey 'Old Enough To Be My Mum' Mills aka Crazy Cat Lady and Cat Lover
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Trevor Montague was on countdown in 1998Philip A wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:52 am Trevor Montague appeared on Fifteen-to-One in 1990, and again in 1992 under a different name and while wearing a disguise. At the time losers couldn’t take part again. He was eventually sued after a viewer spotted his tactic on a Challenge repeat. He did the same tactic on The Krypton Factor but this wasn’t noticed.
https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_2219
https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_2220
Tracey 'Old Enough To Be My Mum' Mills aka Crazy Cat Lady and Cat Lover
Re: Getting back on for a second go
I have a copy of his facts book, The A to Z of (Almost) Everything.Tracey Anne Mills wrote: ↑Mon May 08, 2023 3:11 pmTrevor Montague was on countdown in 1998Philip A wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:52 am Trevor Montague appeared on Fifteen-to-One in 1990, and again in 1992 under a different name and while wearing a disguise. At the time losers couldn’t take part again. He was eventually sued after a viewer spotted his tactic on a Challenge repeat. He did the same tactic on The Krypton Factor but this wasn’t noticed.
https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_2219
https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_2220
Series 78 Runner-up
Re: Getting back on for a second go
This month marks the tenth anniversary of my appearance on Countdown, and now I'm getting ready to reapply but also nervous for some reason. My first game was against an Octochamp and I didn't acquit myself as well as I feel I could have, and I don't want a repeat of that. AHH!
Re: Getting back on for a second go
Petition to get this guy https://wiki.apterous.org/Richard_Williams invited back early. He was the only guy to lay a glove on Ahmed in series 84, and the most recent heat player to take an eventual series champ to a crucial. It would be a tragedy to make him wait until 2031.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Richard was very good.JackHurst wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 10:08 am Petition to get this guy https://wiki.apterous.org/Richard_Williams invited back early. He was the only guy to lay a glove on Ahmed in series 84, and the most recent heat player to take an eventual series champ to a crucial. It would be a tragedy to make him wait until 2031.
Aced all the math rounds and only lost coz Ahmed wheeled out some super-obscure biology/chemistry terms at the last minute.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
AGREED, legit thought Ahmed was toast in this game. And seeing him on Zoomdown really showed more of his prowess.JackHurst wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 10:08 am Petition to get this guy https://wiki.apterous.org/Richard_Williams invited back early. He was the only guy to lay a glove on Ahmed in series 84, and the most recent heat player to take an eventual series champ to a crucial. It would be a tragedy to make him wait until 2031.
One of da 'Muricans
Re: Getting back on for a second go
I think one of the problems with being a contestant on any of these television shows is no matter how good or competitive you are there is simply no immunity to being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. At some point there’s just no way of escaping a evenly-matched or better opponent/competition. Some margins of error are very fine and any TV run can be all or nothing. You can even get kicked out last minute by a new research team before you even make it to air. TV is extremely, notoriously, utterly fickle. Wouldn’t hold your breath re Williams. Allowing people to return earlier than others runs the risk of over-entitlement. Whole thing’s a minefield, basically.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Fun fact: Richard Williams is David Williams's son.
Re: Getting back on for a second go
So what you are saying is, this was David Williams getting on for a second go via propagation of his genes. Smart move.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Equally fun fact: this Richard Williams is not the subject of the biopic King Richard, that was about tennis or some such nonsense. My disappointment knows no bounds
Re: Getting back on for a second go
Attended a couple of events - played extremely well! Hope he does reapply when his time comes and gets a slightly friendlier draw!
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
In the meantime he can come round and look at my teapot any time he wants.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
He was incredible at Co:Man 2020
Mark Deeks wrote:Callum Todd looks like a young Ted Bundy.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
He took me to a crucial in 2022 but I won in the end
Tracey 'Old Enough To Be My Mum' Mills aka Crazy Cat Lady and Cat Lover
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Is there a prize for winning co-events ?
Re: Getting back on for a second go
Well there’s prizes for winners, yes, and there’s prizes for top 3 and other achievements depending on the event. Some events even hand out souvenirs to all entrants so that nobody leaves empty handed. You can win prizes from side events like quizzes and darts games too. That’s how generous the events are and it’s part of the incentive to show up and have fun. Do it.
On a side note, I wish Colin Murray would actually mention the goodie bad to non-winners on the show though. Each time a challenger doesn’t win the consolation prizes are never shown nor mentioned, giving an illusion they win nothing when they don’t. Doesn’t feel right.
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
Has he stopped saying it then?Philip A wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 8:49 amWell there’s prizes for winners, yes, and there’s prizes for top 3 and other achievements depending on the event. Some events even hand out souvenirs to all entrants so that nobody leaves empty handed. You can win prizes from side events like quizzes and darts games too. That’s how generous the events are and it’s part of the incentive to show up and have fun. Do it.
On a side note, I wish Colin Murray would actually mention the goodie bad to non-winners on the show though. Each time a challenger doesn’t win the consolation prizes are never shown nor mentioned, giving an illusion they win nothing when they don’t. Doesn’t feel right.
My pen has just recently run out of ink .
Still haven't looked at Susies book yet
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Re: Getting back on for a second go
He still mentions the teapot to unseated winners, but does not mention the goodie bag to challengers who leave without a win. Think the goodie bad is just a little wind-up clock and a pen and pencil now (the old paper dictionary is gone as it’s heavy and outmoded). Not really a good incentive for new or returning players. I got Word Perfect for Christmas in 2020 and it’s a lovely read. They should definitely add the new puzzle book.Marc Meakin wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 10:19 amHas he stopped saying it then?Philip A wrote: ↑Sat Jun 01, 2024 8:49 amWell there’s prizes for winners, yes, and there’s prizes for top 3 and other achievements depending on the event. Some events even hand out souvenirs to all entrants so that nobody leaves empty handed. You can win prizes from side events like quizzes and darts games too. That’s how generous the events are and it’s part of the incentive to show up and have fun. Do it.
On a side note, I wish Colin Murray would actually mention the goodie bad to non-winners on the show though. Each time a challenger doesn’t win the consolation prizes are never shown nor mentioned, giving an illusion they win nothing when they don’t. Doesn’t feel right.
My pen has just recently run out of ink .
Still haven't looked at Susies book yet
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