A writer and performer from Deal will be putting his talents to the test on quiz show Countdown this week.

Joe Harris, 49, whose pseudonym is Joe Bangles, will be on the long-running show with Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley today, airing on Channel 4 at 2.30pm.

Originally from Nottingham, Mr Harris has lived in Deal since 1999 and runs Harris Care Consultancy promoting standards in care homes.

The self proclaimed local news lover is embarking on his long-held dream to of becoming a writer and performer, with a book of comedy poetry and cartoons out called Soggy Biscuits and Other First World problems.

Mr Harris said: “I watched Countdown as a kid when it was on Yorkshire TV and have always wanted to appear.

“The audition was over the telephone and I had to do a few letters and numbers games to prove my worth.

“It was a great day out and all the show's stars were friendly and chatty. Nick is very forgetful, but has a sharp, dry wit.”

He added: “I did write a poem for the show, but unfortunately it won’t make it to air due to time restrictions.”

With many strings to his bow, Mr Harris has performed in numerous local plays with the Guild Players and the East Kent Theatre Company and is now taking his poetry and comedy songs to the stage.

He has plans to set up an independent theatre company.

He is also the producer of the spoof newspaper the East Kent Mockery, which launched two years ago with fake headlines like: No staff at Lynda’s called Lynda and the How much of a DfL (Down from London) are you? quiz.

He said: “The name was actually the brainchild of my partner, Rebecca. It was only meant to be a bit of fun for me and my friends.”

Mr Harris said: “I’m not a real journalist, just a comedy writer. The aim is to bring a bit of humour into an increasingly humourless world and to promote local news with a sprinkling of fun added in.”