Former Countdown champion in court accused of knife attack on rival

Cowen, who appeared on the popular TV quiz show in 2017, allegedly attacked Thomas Carey with a knife at the Countdown in Blackpool 2024 event

John Cowen, 30, appeared at Preston Crown Court. Picture: PA

A Countdown champion has appeared in court accused of stabbing a rival contestant at a quiz event.

John Cowen, 30, appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court, accused of wounding with intent and two counts of possession of a bladed article, prosecutor Mercedeh Jabbari told the court.