AN intelligent competition contestant “flew the flag for the Essex girls” during an appearance on a long-running maths and literacy programme.
Laura Gurden, 36, from New Town, in Colchester, starred in four episodes of Countdown between March 25 and March 30.
The historic game show, in its 85th series, first broadcast in 1982 and sees guests try to outsmart their rivals by displaying their numerical agility and lexical prowess.
They take part in ten letters rounds, four numbers rounds and then a buzzer round in which the contestants compete to solve a nine-letter anagram.
During Laura’s stint on the Channel 4 show the former Copford Primary School student defeated three opponents before her impressive run came to end.
Laura, who also attended Colchester High School for Girls, scored 59, 74, 71 and 64 while on the programme, which has become a staple of British television.
Much to her delight, she also appeared on the show alongside famous faces such as Stephen Fry, Susie Dent, Rachel Riley, and presenter Anne Robinson.
Speaking about her time on the series, the Culture and Media Studies graduate said: “I applied online and had to complete a telephone audition to win a place on the show.
“It was an amazing opportunity and I was very fortunate to be on the same show as Stephen Fry and of course I was very proud to have won three rounds.
“Watching myself on television was a very surreal experience and I was nervous about the broadcast.
“However, I have been overwhelmed with my family and friends' good wishes and congratulations.”
READ MORE: Colchester's The Robin Cancer Trust gets ballsy for latest campaign
Laura’s dad, Martin Gurden, couldn’t be happier following his daughter’s appearance on Countdown and was thrilled seeing her on the small screen.
He said: “I have always been incredibly proud of my daughter, but to see her on Countdown meant that I was also very excited and absolutely bursting with pride.
“She displayed her usual intelligence, politeness, cheerfulness, and good humour and Rachel Riley said: ‘Laura flew the flag for Essex girls very well’.”
To watch Laura on Countdown visit channel4.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel