Wood is the sixth woman to be named champion of Countdown, which has been broadcast by Channel 4 since 1982, the year the network launched.
The first ever series of Countdown was won that year by crossword compiler Joyce Cansfield.
Since then, four more women have won the series – Hilary Hopper (in 1987), Liz Barber (1990), Verity Joubert (1995) and Kate Ogilvie (1998).
Wood explained she had decided to apply after host Colin Murray appealed for older contestants, and lexicographer Susie Dent encouraged more female applications.
Following the appeals from Murray, Dent and mathematician Rachel Riley, Channel 4 said applications from women had soared.
