Channel 4’s Countdown champion is accused of stabbing an opponent

A Countdown champion has been accused of stabbing a competitor at a showcase tournament on the long-running TV show.

John Cowen, 30, was arrested at the Blackpool 2024 Countdown event after allegedly attacking his opponent on September 14.

The event, which is an annual tournament in which former Channel 4 game show winners compete against each other, was canceled after Cowen allegedly attacked another player with a knife.

He was subsequently charged with wounding with intent under Section 18 and possession of an article with a blade

Following the ordeal, a man in his 20s was taken to hospital for treatment.

The former winner is from Morecambe, Lancashire and is expected to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday (October 14).

Cowen first appeared on the show in 2017 and achieved the third highest overall score of the entire series.

Cowen, a master mathematician, discovered a nine-letter word that “spread” while appearing on the show, a monumental achievement for Countdown.

Cowen appeared in 11 more episodes, winning eight consecutive times before being defeated.