Countdown's Susie Dent splits from husband - report

Countdown lexicographer Susie Dent has reportedly split from her husband of 20 years.

The 56-year-old TV star, who has joined a celebrity in Dictionary Corner to check contestants' solutions to Countdown word puzzles since 1992, has split from her teacher husband Paul Atkins on good terms, according to The Sun.

Susie and Paul, who share two daughters, have been apparently been living apart for the past year and have told friends and family of their separation.

A source told the newspaper: "It's obviously a very sad situation, but Susie has handled everything stoically. She has ploughed on professionally with all aspects of her working life and is simply trying to make the most of a heartbreaking scenario.

"Obviously Susie and Paul did all they could to make things work, but decided in the end to part ways."

The Oxford graduate in modern languages has appeared on the show every year since her 1992 debut and worked alongside every host, including Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O'Connor, Jeff Stelling, Nick Hewer, stand-in Colin Murray, and new presenter Anne Robinson.

She also stars in 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, the edgier comedy version of the series, on which she checks whether words are contained in the dictionary and informs panellists of quirky or interesting definitions or word origins.

The TV star has written several books on the English language and launched an award-winning podcast, Something Rhymes With Purple, alongside frequent Dictionary Corner collaborator Gyles Brandreth.