Countdown stars amused as Susie Dent offers up cheeky seven letter word

There appeared to be smirks in the Countdown studio over an answer given by Susie Dent in a recently aired episode.

The long-running Channel 4 show, which airs on weekday afternoons, has attracted attention over the years for words spelled out in the letters rounds. Some words have left the hosts looking a little red-faced whilst amusing viewers.

There was yet another potentially cheeky word on Tuesday’s episode of the game. It came after host Colin Murray, 47, had introduced viewers to the contestants, Joe Davies and Suzanne Anisfeld, towards the start of the recent episode.

Later in the show, Colin’s co-host Rachel Riley, 39, unveiled RLSXAOAOU as the combination of letters available to them in one round. Joe and Suzanne were tasked with making the longest word possible using the letters but both seemed to struggle, with them using just a handful of letters each.

Once the timer had ended, both contestants told Colin – who took over as host from Anne Robinson in 2022 – that they had managed to make a four letter word each. Joe provided ‘alas’ as his answer, whilst Suzanne offered ‘lose’.

Colin directed viewers’ attention to Dictionary Corner in the studio moments later for alternative answers. It was then revealed that lexicographer Susie, 60 – who has been on Countdown since 1992 – had found a seven letter word.

Susie was joined by presenter Nicki Chapman, 58 – known for shows like Escape to the Country – for the episode on Tuesday. Nicki said of the round: “Tough. Really tough. ” Looking to her colleague with what appeared to be a smirk, she added: “But Susie has come up with ‘arousal’ for seven. “

The answer was met with praise from Colin, who responded with a smile: “Oh wow. ” Pop Idol judge Nicki replied to the host: “I know. ” He was then heard further praising their colleague, with him saying: “Sensational. well done Susie. “

Viewers were then shown the word ‘arousal’ – which the Collins Dictionary notes can mean ‘a state in which you feel excited or very alert’ – spelled out on the board. Susie’s use of seven letters meant that only two of the nine weren’t used, with the spare O and X tiles visible above the word.

Colin’s co-host Rachel was seen looking down at the tiles on the board as viewers were shown it. She was then seen sporting what appeared to be a slight smirk as Colin said “fantastic” before he moved onto the next round. He confirmed before the numbers round that Joe and Suzanne earned four points each for their four letter word answers.

Countdown airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 2. 10pm.

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Source: Mirror