Interesting little reference to Jimmy’s first appearance on daytime Countdown, in 2004 (here).

For context – at that point Susie Dent was already in Dictionary Corner but Rachel Riley didn’t join until 2009 (Carol Vorderman was still in residence) and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown started in 2012, here.

Irish comic, Jason Byrne, is celebrating 30 years as a stand-up and there’s an interesting article in the Sevenoaks Chronicle, which can be seen on Pressreader. He’s on tour with a new show – 30 Years Byrning and, in the early days, he frequently appeared at the same festivals as Jimmy (here).

The last question, in this new interview, prompts him to mention that he was the first comedian to appear on Countdown (July 2003). Not sure that’s entirely true as there’s an appearance list here and I can see Jo Brand started appearing about 12 series before him. Never mind.

Jason went on to say:

Jimmy Carr called me and said: “I saw you on Count­down. How did that hap­pen?” I told him and a couple of weeks later there was Jimmy sit­ting there on the show.

That gap from July 2003 to February 2004 was one hell of a “couple of weeks”. Is it possible that the phone call and the appearance were just coincidence? Or did Jimmy’s agent make a call?

As ever, it’s easier for me, with a PC at my fingertips, to fact check something someone is remembering from 22-23 years ago. Sorry, Jason!