[Neil Jones]

Sorry for the out of date info, though I don't remember seeing those factoids before.

The likes of Countdown another example - that's why I wondered if there would be a limit on the number of appearances. I think it could change the dynamic of the show quite a bit, and would probably make it a littl less repeatbale.

We're assuming here Lingo uses the traditional "winner stays on" format to fill the time available, such as Countdown does.

Blockbusters was slightly different that you stayed on until you had attempted five (later three, then back to five for the revivals) gold runs and then you were out. this could (and quite often did) happen mid show, so you weren't guaranteed a certain number of episodes (heck if you were unlucky enough you didn't even last to the next commercial break!) There must be more than one example of a show that changed its contestants from one end of the show to the other like this surely? Millionaire is the other obvious example I can think of.

It's plausible Lingo could follow that by reducing the amount of padding so they get to the final game quicker, then going back and starting again, but its more likely to be the Countdown model.

That being said, self contained episodes was the the norm for a long while, as you can just air them in any order, it doesn't matter. Wonder if this is another shift in tone for this genre? It seems to work for Pointless.

As for limits on appearances - well there was the case of Ian from Hemel Hempstead who they had to change the rules on 100% for to get rid of him and introduce a limit when there wasn't one previously.