DRUMMERS are more used to counting in than counting down, but one Colchester musician gave Countdown an injection of rock and roll when he appeared on the show.

Andy Hewitt, drummer with local band Morpheus, took part in the Channel 4 quiz and the episode will be broadcast on Thursday.

As well as taking part in the usual numbers and letters games, Andy treated the audience to a recording of his band’s version of the classic Countdown theme tune.

He said: “It’s fantastic our version of the theme will be aired.

“It shows how versatile Morpheus can be as a band. It was fantastic to watch presenter Jeff Stelling air drumming along to it when it was played.”

Andy, who lives in Colchester and works in a cold store for a food company in Earls Colne, added to the county’s connection with the show.

Rachel Riley, who comes from Southend, took over as the maths whizz on the show last January.

Andy was rather taken with the 23-year-old Oxford University graduate, who may have affected his concentration. He said: “I can’t comment. You'll have to wait and see!

“I may have been slightly distracted by the lovely co-host Rachel Riley.”

Rosa Manteiga, the manager of Morpheus, said the cover of the theme tune may make its way into the band’s set.

She added: “It would be quite fantastic if people do listen to it and ask for it to be played at our gigs.”