Carol Vorderman has responded to a strange fan claim regarding the long-running quiz programme Countdown.
The 63-year-old broadcaster rose to prominence on the Channel 4 show, debuting as the resident mathematical genius in 1984 and departing more than two decades later in 2008.
Carol became famous for solving mathematical conundrums in seconds on Countdown, but some fans suspect she was provided the solutions by producers through an earpiece.
Carol, who studied engineering at Cambridge University, chuckled and dismissed the bizarre allegation when asked about it.
Explaining her method on Countdown, she said: ‘I could see the answer to the numbers. I see it – in the way that some people can see the conundrum. So it’s patterns for me, rather than calculation.’
On whether she would solve sums at the same speed today on Countdown, she continued to The Guardian: ‘If you said, “Right, you’ve got to go on telly live and do some Countdown games.” I would be half the speed that I used to be.
‘But if I devoted a week just to Countdown games, I’d get back to speed. I’d have to get that muscle going again, those synapses going. But I’d go, “Yep, bring it on.” I’d love a challenge like that.’
Carol said in 2017 that she hadn’t been permitted back into the Countdown Studios since her departure, despite having worked on the show for 26 years.
She told OK Magazine: ‘I was on Countdown for 26 years and I’ve not been allowed back in the studio since.
‘I was told, “You’re never welcome here”. I have no idea why.’
Carol also claimed she was not invited back to Countdown’s 5,000th episode festivities.
Carol added: ‘After six months after I left Countdown, they had the 5,000th and I absolutely wasn’t invited. It’s not bitterness – I wish them all the best.
‘Life moves on, doesn’t it? I love my life, I have a great time.’
However, Channel 4 at the time denied Carol was not allowed back to the studio.
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It’s claimed that Carol, who was thought to be earning around £1,000,000 a year on Countdown, left the show over a dispute with pay after producers reportedly tried to cut her salary.
She was later replaced by Rachel Riley, who has appeared on the programme since 2009.
Countdown is available to stream on Channel 4.
