SCARBORO’ MAN SUMSUP RACHEL
Volunteer wore his RNLI shirt with pride
A Scarborough RNLI volunteer put his word and number skills to the test in front of the nation on a popular TV quiz show.
Michael Turner appeared on Channel 4’s Countdown after applying on a whim when handed an application form during his visit in the show’s audience.
The 71-year-old said: “I am a big Countdown fan and was not expecting to be chosen at all. I watched three shows when I went in the audience and also got the conundrum that day despite neither participant managing. I was then handed an application form to which I filled in and emailed over.
“I did a phone quiz to test my knowledge, which I passed, and was then asked to go along to be a contestant. I couldn’t believe it.”
Michael, who lives near Knipe Point, travelled to Salford to participate in the show in September and represented Scarborough by wearing his lifeboat polo shirt.
Countdown host Nick Hewer spoke of Scarborough during the broadcast. He said: “I went once and I thought it was the most charming sea- side town. It is lovely.” The Scarborough RNLI shop manager’s highlight on the show, featuring Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, was spotting eight lettered word “profiles” - the longest word available.
Despite this, he unfortunately lost the match 70-88 but came away with a goody bag including a dictionary and a Countdown mug.
He said: “I did not get the teapot but I got a big goody bag with a signed Susie Dent book. The whole experience was great.” Luckily Michael recorded the show as it was broadcast when Scarborough’s TV signal was interrupted last week due to maintenance work.