The latest edition of a long-running TV game show became a Swindon special as two local contestants faced off.

Bert's Books owner Alex Call continued his reign as Countdown champion in three editions broadcast from Monday to Wednesday before new opponent Clare Harris joined the Channel 4 show on Thursday afternoon.

Alex said: "It was nice to be able to put Swindon in a positive light on TV since I'm always banging on about it being a nice place - and I got to talk about the bookshop, which was fun.

"I was quite pleased with how I did - my mum had been on the show so I thought it would be nice for me to go and maybe win one if I was lucky.

Countdown contestants Alex and Clare at Bert's BooksCountdown contestants Alex and Clare at Bert's Books (Image: Bert's Books)

"By the end of Wednesday's episode, I was in disbelief that I'd won again, it was surreal. I also managed to find a nine-letter word, solve the conundrum and come up with a word that Susie didn't get, which doesn't happen very often.

"Clare and I have been messaging each other while we watch it and she's popped into the shop."

After several rounds of number crunching and anagram scrambling in the latest episode, Alex triumphed once again despite a good effort from Clare.

The student support assistant at Bradon Forest School in Purton said: “I watch it every day after work and fancied giving it a go.

"I was super excited when I passed the audition and then terrified during filming, knowing that whatever I said would be on telly, though everyone there was lovely.

"In my application, I said I didn't have a favourite book because I wasn't a reader - then they put me up against a bookshop owner!

"I feel lucky to have had Alex as an opponent, I made a new friend, had some laughs, and we represented Swindon on this legendary show.

"My work colleagues have been very supportive, especially the headteacher, and my children liked seeing me on TV. I love my job and the work I do.

"I'm not the typical smart Countdown person, and it's hard under pressure, so my only goal was not to get zero points and I managed that so I'm happy!

"I think anyone should try it, it was a really surreal and amazing experience."

A Countdown teapot trophy briefly appeared atop a display in the front window of Bert’s Books, which Alex opened on Godwin Court in Old Town in May 2022 after growing a loyal following of customers online.

Alex looked back on those days in July when he filmed his appearances on one of TV’s most enduring game shows.

He said: “The whole production team are really good, the researchers and runners looked after me, and Colin and Susie are lovely and cheerful, it doesn't feel pressured.

"It was weird watching myself on TV, it didn't feel like it was me - especially when he got an answer that I didn't!

(Image: Bert's Books) "Being an avid reader did help. The more time you spend with words, the easier they are to see, and you learn words that aren't part of everyday use.

"The dream now is to get on Strictly - if they run out of celebrities and a Countdown champion is considered famous enough, I'm available!"

Countdown's Susie Dent was at Bert's Books for an event on Thursday evening and tickets are available for crime author Peter James' chat with the bookshop's team at the Arts Centre at 2pm on September 20.