Countdown’s Susie Dent pictured for the first time since split from husband of 20 years Paul Atkins

Countdown star Susie Dent is pictured for the first time since splitting from her husband of 20 years Paul Atkins as she sports a casual ensemble while arriving for filming


Countdown star Susie Dent was seen for the first time on Tuesday since the news of her split from husband of 20 years Paul Atkins was announced.

The Dictionary Corner star, 56, cut a casual figure as she arrived for Countdown filming in Manchester.

Susie focused her gaze straight ahead as she strolled into the building wearing a grey sweatshirt with a leopard print heart pattern and black skinny jeans.

Out and about: Countdown star Susie Dent was seen for the first time on Tuesday since the news of her split from husband of 20 years Paul Atkins was announced

Much of the TV personality’s face was concealed by dark sunglasses and a patterned face mask, while she added a pair of black lace-up boots to her look.

Susie, who carried her essentials in a black shoulder bag, gave nothing away as she hurried inside the building. 

Her appearance comes after it was revealed that she has been living apart from teacher Paul, with whom she has two daughters, for the past year.

Marriage woes: The Dictionary Corner star, 56, cut a casual figure as she arrived for Countdown filming in Manchester

Marriage woes: The Dictionary Corner star, 56, cut a casual figure as she arrived for Countdown filming in Manchester

One source told the Sun newspaper that the couple remain on friendly terms and have told family and friends. They said: ‘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.’

The source added: ‘Obviously Susie and Paul did all they could to make things work, but decided in the end to part ways.’

Susie married Oxford-based teacher Paul in 2001. The pair share two daughters, Lucy, 17, and Thea, nine. 

One step at a time: Susie focused her gaze straight ahead as she strolled into the building wearing a grey sweatshirt with a leopard print heart pattern and black skinny jeans

One step at a time: Susie focused her gaze straight ahead as she strolled into the building wearing a grey sweatshirt with a leopard print heart pattern and black skinny jeans

Covered up: Much of the TV personality's face was concealed by dark sunglasses and a patterned face mask, while she added a pair of black lace-up boots to her look

Focused: Susie, who carried her essentials in a black shoulder bag, gave nothing away as she hurried inside the building

Covered up: Much of the TV personality’s face was concealed by dark sunglasses and a patterned face mask, while she added a pair of black lace-up boots to her look 

Susie has yet to speak publicly on her marriage breakdown and hasn’t posted on Instagram since June 20. 

Oxford graduate Susie, born in Surrey, first joined the Channel 4 show in 1992 alongside late host Richard Whiteley. 

She also features on Jimmy Carr’s irreverent 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, has written several books on the English language, and launched a podcast alongside author and ex-MP Gyles Brandreth. 

Countdown is now hosted by Anne Robinson, the no-nonsense TV star best known for her former role on The Weakest Link. 

Split: Her appearance comes after it was revealed that she has been living apart from teacher Paul, with whom she has two daughters, for the past year

Split: Her appearance comes after it was revealed that she has been living apart from teacher Paul, with whom she has two daughters, for the past year

Sad:  The couple remain on friendly terms and have told family and friends. They said: 'It's obviously a very sad situation, but Susie has handled everything stoically'

Sad:  The couple remain on friendly terms and have told family and friends. They said: ‘It’s obviously a very sad situation, but Susie has handled everything stoically’