The first ever series of Countdown was won that year by crossword compiler Joyce Cansfield. Since then, four more women have won the series - Hilary Hopper (in 1987), Liz Barber (1990), Verity Joubert ...

A forensic accountant from Scotland has become the first woman to be crowned Countdown champion in 26 years. The long-running numbers and words game show has had five other female champions since ...