A Glasgow janitor is set to appear on an episode of Countdown thanks to a school teacher noticing his impressive skills.
Knightswood Primary School janitor William Kennedy was chosen to take part in the show after wowing producers on his telephone audition.
The 39-year-old first got into the show after watching it at his local Chinese takeaway as a youngster and has been a fan ever since.
His skills with numbers and word conundrums hadn't gone unnoticed with several people telling him to apply before he took the plunge.
William told Glasgow Live: "It was a member of the school who actually encouraged me. He had a board in his room that was kind of along the lines of the Countdown board and I was doing it one day and he suggested I apply.
"So I applied and didn't think much of it until I got an email asking me to do a telephone audition.
"I spoke to my line manager who has been brilliant and he let me take days to go to Manchester for filming.
"I was more nervous when I was on my down than I was during the show - I was cool, calm, and collected on the day."
William may have left the school for a few days but he had their full support while away and was even gifted a teddy bear and T-shirt made by the kids.
Although he wasn't allowed to wear it camera (due to it being white) he managed to get it on set and signed by the crew.
He also found an unlikely friend in the form of presenter Anne Robinson, who he said is actually very friendly in real life.
William, from Scotstoun, started off his career as a cleaner but progressed on to becoming a janitor and has worked at Knightswood Primary for just over four years.
He said: "I've watched Countdown since I was a kid. It was a lady who worked in a local Chinese shop that got me into it. When I went to collect dinner I'd play along and she'd always say I had to get on the show.
"Anytime I've been available to watch it, I've got it on.
"I'm really good with numbers, I can multiple three-digit in my head and my spelling is pretty good too.
"No matter how well I do on the show, it was a great experience and everyone was really nice.
"I would recommend for anyone who is a fan to go and do it. It's great to see how the show's actually made."
The episode is set to air on Friday and William has taken the day off especially to watch it with his family.
He added: "I'm excited and nervous to watch it and I've said to people once it airs I'm turning my phone off because everyone will be going mental.
"It'll be strange seeing myself on TV, and hearing my voice but I'm looking forward to being able to share how it went with everyone finally."
Good luck to William - we can't wait to see you on there!
