Is the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown a fix?

[ArthurW]

I have recently heard that the Channel 4 show `Countdown` is not as intelligent as what we see on the box.

I have been a big fan of Countdown for many years and am amazed at the fact Dictionary Corner can find long words in only 30 seconds and Carol Vorderman can solve the numbers game in only 30 seconds. A friend of mine recently told me the show is actually a fix. According to my friend, the show is recorded and what happens is this - the contestants have their 30 seconds to solve each letters game and each numbers game, then filming stops for 2-3 minutes before re-commencing with the contestants providing their answers followed by Dictionary Corner and/or Carol Vorderman. My friend claims the 2-3 minute break is deliberate to allow Dictionary Corner and Carol Vorderman extra time solve the puzzles.

Is there anyone out there who has either been a contestant on Countdown or else been in the audience? If so can you confirm whether or not my friend is correct?

 

[LFCFan1]

I don't think so, as its been going for years, and there have been loads and loads of episodes, and loads and loads have people in the audience and on the show. So, if it is a fix, I think most of them people would have told their friends, and they would have told their friends, etc, etc, and it would probably have spread around a bit by now, so loads of people would know about it.