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 ...

She is the sixth woman to be named champion of Countdown, which has been broadcast by Channel 4 since 1982 ... have won the series - Hilary Hopper (in 1987), Liz Barber (1990), Verity Joubert ...