I was on Countdown and was shocked to receive EXPLICIT fan mail and a terrifying threat

A FORMER Countdown contestant has claimed a man threatened to hit her on the head after she appeared on the show.

It’s the ultimate clash of math skills and literary knowledge that tests contestants to their limits.

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But although Countdown celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it still has a number of behind-the-scenes secrets unknown to most viewers decades later.

For those who want to know, Jen Steadman — the highest-scoring woman of all time — has lifted the lid on what it’s like to be on the show.

Following his lost list of accomplishments on the show, there’s been a flurry of wild fan mail – but it’s not all been positive.

“There were hilarious and explicit fan posts from middle-aged men and women saying that I inspired them to apply for the show,” she told Metro.

“But also a man threatening to stomp on my head for rocking it to the beat of the music, and a woman criticizing the knot I wore in my hair.

“I’ve definitely learned that you can’t please everyone and that some people just don’t like headgear.”

Earlier this year, The Sun spoke with former contestant Gary Woodward, who appeared nine times on Countdown.

Detailing his time on the Channel 4 hit, he revealed how the show often fakes scenes to disguise X-rated responses, presenter missteps and technical errors.

“When they don’t like a bit of recording, they start over to overdub that section during editing,” he revealed.

“It could be because the audio quality wasn’t perfect, if a presenter sneezed or made a mistake or if the cameras missed a cut.

“It’s easy to spot when they do that on Countdown.

“If the cameras return to the contestant as he chooses a vowel or consonant, it’s normally because he used a cover.”

Countdown airs weekdays from 2:15 p.m. on Channel 4.

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