The Countdown Experience By James Aukett
		I spent the rest of the afternoon watching the next recording before there was a one hour dinner break. I spent that time talking to Donald Lyons (who played Stephen before I did) and we shared our experiences of appearing on the programme. After dinner, I sat in the audience watching the first two quarter-finals being recorded. Once they were finished, all recordings for the day were over. I then wasted no time in getting one of my prizes - Richard Whiteley's autobiography - signed by the man himself. It was then time to gather my belongings and the rest of my prizes before going into the studio bar for a few drinks with the other contestants (including the quarter finalists) before going back to the hotel for the rest of the night. The next morning came and it was time to depart back to London. Another excitingly long train journey, but me and my belongings were eventually safe back home. Just for the record, my prizes were: *The teapot (winners only item!) *New Oxford Dictionary of English (NODE) *Board game *Electronic game *Mug *T-shirt *Coaster *Notepaper The experience of appearing on Countdown was excellent and I would recommend it to everyone. Many people were proud of my achievement on the programme, and the memories keep flooding back every now and again.
	If you want to know more about Countdown, then why not visit: www.thecountdownpage.com If you do go and actually apply to be a contestant, then good luck to you! All the best
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