'I NEVER LISTEN TO OR WATCH ANYTHING I DO'

COUNTDOWN LEXICOGRAPHER SUSIE DENT ON WHY SHE TURNS THE SHOW OFF AT HOME AND CARDI B'S WAP APPEARING IN THE DICTIONARY

- WILLIAM J CONNOLLY

For almost 30 years, Susie Dent has found herself a staple of the British television schedule as Countdown’s lexicographer in Dictionary Corner. The 55-year-old mum of two has watched the world change, seen new words invented, and her star rise to where she is now considered part of the furniture on the Channel 4 show. But despite the success she has seen in her professional career, her two kids at home still aren’t on board with mum being a celeb.

“I’m definitely the uncool mum,” laughs Susie when we ask what her children – Lucy, 18, and Thea, 10 – think of Mum and her dictionary obsession making her a recognizable face.

It’s this seemingly “uncool” nature, which Susie herself is critical of, that has sadly ruled out the possibility of her stepping out of her comfort zone and on to the Strictly dance floor. “I don’t think Strictly would ever happen for me,” she laughs, ruling out following in her Countdown co-star Rachel Riley’s footsteps. Mathematician Rachel appeared on the hit BBC show, which led to her marrying professional Pasha Kovalev in 2019. Susie adds, “I can only dance well when I’m drunk or in the dark, so I think that in a full spotlight in front of millions is such a long way away from where I’d feel comfortable.”

With the release of her new book Word Perfect, we speak to the daytime regular about working with Jimmy Carr, her dislike of being in the public spotlight, and why she’s thrilled words have finally become sexy... ish...

Was being the UK’s word expert always your life goal?