Vorderman 'outraged' over 'Countdown'

[Perdita]

Carol Vorderman is "outraged" after Countdown chiefs admitted that the show's presenters are given tips through earpieces, it has been claimed.

Producers recently confirmed that Dictionary Corner experts wear the devices in order to be fed answers to the Channel 4 programme's word puzzles.

Vorderman is now said to be concerned that fans could question her mathematical skills as a result of the revelation.

A source close to the star told The Mirror: "Carol is outraged people might think she wore an earpiece and was told answers through it.

"Carol never wore an earpiece at all when she did the show and she fears she might get tarred by this. All her answers were all her own - she really is that clever!"

Vorderman made her debut as the gameshow's numbers girl in 1982, but was axed last year following a row over pay.

Show bosses released a statement regarding the role of Dictionary Corner regular Susie Dent at the weekend after the use of earpieces was revealed by a Sunday newspaper.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "As is common for studio recordings, all presenters, including Susie, are in touch via an earpiece to enable them to communicate with producers on matters ranging from camera directions to timings.

"The producer will sometimes supply extra ideas as there are often multiple options to ensure viewers are given the best possible answers. This has always been the case and we've always been transparent about that."

[Hannelene]

Why are all these stories coming out now from her?
Can't she just bow out gracefully instead of coming across like a bitter and twisted woman?

[Perdita]

No, she can't, because she is a bitter and twiested woman.

[Hannelene]

I read another story about her this week and I think it's a shame that she has had to go to this level to get attention
People used to look up to her.

[Siobhan]

Why are all these stories coming out now from her?
Can't she just bow out gracefully instead of coming across like a bitter and twisted woman?

In her defense if I was me and I actually used my brain, I would be rather peeved if I was tarred with the "she gets the answers in her ear" remarks that are coming out... Carol is very intelligent and she deserves not to be made out like she faked it... Some people value intelligence over beauty

[Hannelene]

I don't think she is saying that she got the answers in her earpiece but maybe the other people on the show had a helping hand. Maybe Susie Dent in Dictionary corner - I could see this happening as I could never understand how in 30 secs they could find these wierd and wonderful words so quickly.

[Perdita]

I agree with your comment about her, Shiobhan, but she could have put it a lot better than she did, that is what ladypink and I were commenting on. I am sure she used to work out the maths problems in her head. The programme is edited, so it appears she has the correct answer in an instant, although it could have taken her a little longer to work it out. Some people might not consider this and think it is impossible for her to get the more complicated problems solved so quickly.

[Hannelene]

No one is knocking Carol's ability to work out maths questions. The problem I can not understand is that for an intelligent woman why does she feel the need to knock the programme that made her famous.
Why not walk away with your held up high then to carry out interviews to generate money? Makes her look bad.

[Perdita]

I don't think she is saying that she got the answers in her earpiece but maybe the other people on the show had a helping hand. Maybe Susie Dent in Dictionary corner - I could see this happening as I could never understand how in 30 secs they could find these wierd and wonderful words so quickly.

The contestants have 30 secs to come up with words or the maths question, the rest of the programme is edited and could have taken several hours. I don't have a problem with Susie getting help, I am always interested in the words she can come up with and the explanation to the origin of the word too. Don't care how she does it

[Hannelene]

I don't think she is saying that she got the answers in her earpiece but maybe the other people on the show had a helping hand. Maybe Susie Dent in Dictionary corner - I could see this happening as I could never understand how in 30 secs they could find these wierd and wonderful words so quickly.

The contestants have 30 secs to come up with words or the maths question, the rest of the programme is edited and could have taken several hours. I don't have a problem with Susie getting help, I am always interested in the words she can come up with and the explanation to the origin of the word too. Don't care how she does it

I have always been a little suspicious of 'dictionary corner' now things are making sense!