AN “octochamp” on Countdown who couldn’t make her final was invited back to take part this season.

Annie Humphries, from Basildon, won the eight rounds of the popular TV show in series 75 - becoming an Octochamp and being the highest scoring contestant in the current series.

However, she was unable to compete in the final.

Due to her popularity, the show producers invited her back for the show’s run this season.

She narrowly beat Elliott Mack with a final score of 88 to 94 in the quarter final.

She was then defeated by Stephen Read 115 to 67 in the quarter final.

Mrs Humphries, a retired teacher who taught at Basildon’s former Fryerns School for five years, said: “It was brilliant to get back to the studios and be reunited with the production team.

“The other finalists were lovely and despite being rivals we all made a very happy bunch.

“It was a bit like being at end of term get together.

“The regulars were warm and welcoming and dictionary corner partners were obviously really thrilled to be part of the process.

“I won my quarter final, and although I lost the semi final to Stephen, number one seed, he did go on to win - so no shame there.

“I was also the only finalist to beat a higher seed.

“As Rachel Riley, Countdown co-presenter, said, not bad for an Essex girl.”

Mrs Humphries, who underwent a laryngectomy, where the voice box is removed, in 2009 after contracting cancer, is now looking for other programmes to feature in.

She has recently spent time in hospital following a procedure on her knee.

She added: “I’d love to go back in some capacity, perhaps 8 out of 10 cats.

“I keep in touch with the gang on Facebook, and I was delighted that Cammy Lovatt, whom I beat way back in May 2016, was able to come back to be in the audience for my games.

“I just need to work as hard on my knee now, as on my letters and numbers, to get back to physical and mental fitness!”