For the letters rounds, contestants have 30 seconds to make the longest words they can from a collection that comes from their choice of vowels and consonants. Letters and Numbers features puzzles involving anagrams and arithmetic.

“She does what I do, but in high heels,” quips Astle, riffing on Ginger Rogers’ classic line about dancing with Fred Astaire. But she was also a data analyst with degrees in mathematics and she deftly demonstrated how to solve the puzzles. She also added a new dimension to the traditional role of the glamorous game-show assistant: yes, she obligingly fetched the vowels and consonants selected for the word games, as well as the numbers for the arithmetic puzzles, and she affixed them to the display board. Disgruntled devotees had to satisfy themselves with repeats and the show aged well, demonstrating the durability of the format and the appeal of its contributors.Īlongside host Richard Morecroft, letters king Astle presided from Dictionary Corner while numbers queen Lily Serna solved equations. In 2012, SBS declared that it intended to “rest” the show, although it turned out to be a prolonged slumber.

The quiz show, based on a French format and involving language-based and numerical challenges, had built a devoted following. When SBS axed Letters and Numbers (2010-12) after six seasons and 450 episodes, the outcry from fans was insistent and enduring. David Astle (left) and Lily Serna return for two new seasons of Letters & Numbers, with new host Michael Hing.

Find letters to make words