c4countdown

So, we're now approaching the first significant moment of Series 65, the crowning of the first octochamp.

Well, it's not guaranteed yet, but with his pretty impressive form over the course of the last 7 shows, you wouldn't bet against Graeme Cole being an octochamp by the end of the day. Can he do it

On another point, he also needs 82 points to join the 800 Club, which shouldn't be a problem, as his lowest score to date was his 91 he got yesterday.

Join me later to see how it all pans out.

Graeme only needs 229 to beat Jack's octo-total. Just needs 11 nines.

EVECTION

JEHADI in the BEHEAD round

JEBEDIAH in round 9

IDOLATER in R12

CHAIRLADY was a great spot from Gary.

And well done Graeme.

Wasn't Gary just such a nice guy? Well done on becoming an Octochamp Graeme.

SOYBEAN in the BEANOS round, not sure if it was mentioned.

From Tue 7 June 2011:

Philip Jarvis wrote:Excellent first game Graeme. Maintain that standard and I expect you'll become the first Octochamp of the new series.

Well done Graeme ........... and the winning numbers for Fridays EuroMillions are unlikely to be guessed quite as easily

I certainly would do Rach daily!

Congrats on octochampdom Graeme - very impressive performances, really enjoyed watching them.

8 top notch performances Graeme, good luck in the finals

Dan McColm wrote:I certainly would do Rach daily!

I'D LAY RACH

Really well done Graeme! Thoroughly enjoyed watching you on the telly - nice that you visibly enjoyed it too. You did well to come through against a few tricky opponents along the way, having to recover from behind on more than one occasion. I don't think it's possible to come across as more genial and fun to be around than you did, so I really hope I'll be able to attend the finals to meet you.

PS - TROIKA was a good spot

Ben Hunter wrote:JEBEDIAH in round 9

Only Jebediah Springfield, I'm afraid..........

OROGENS in round 7 as an equaller.

And well done, Graeme. 800 club membership is yours.

Thanks everyone. The whole thing was a fantastically enjoyable experience as soon as I entered the studio, even that fifth game where I genuinely thought I'd lost it after R10.

As for TROIKA, I think that was the only time I deliberately went for an obscure word over a common one, and it was entirely because of this.

Incidentally, I preferred going with more common words (TAILORED rather than IDOLATER, TOASTED over TOSTADA) because I'd invariably make a cock-up of pronouncing some of the more obscure apto-words. It turns out GIAOURS rhymes with flowers, not fires, and MAHOUTS, for which I'd attempted to cover all bases by saying "mahoots, or mahoos?" actually rhymes with shouts.

And as I renew my aptosubscription for another year I should mention there's no way I could have done it without apterous, so thanks to Charlie for all the work he's put into that.

Hopefully see some of you at the finals.