Smash-hit Channel 4 comedy series to return with brand new episodes a year after production was halted
SMASH hit Channel 4 comedy series is set to return with brand new episodes a year after its production was halted.
In 2015 the show was demoted from the main channel and placed on More4 before moving to E4 in 2017.
8 Out of 10 Cats has been on air since 2005 with comedian Jimmy Carr at the helm while Jon Richardson and the late Sean Locke were permanent team captains.
Since 2012 the show followed the format of Channel 4's daytime words and numbers show Countdown, fittingly branded 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Countdown regulars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent featured in the episodes.
But, last year the broadcaster sparked fears for the future of the show by halting production.
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The comedy's production company Zeppotron had been told no new episodes would be filmed.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 said at the time: “We have already shot episodes which are ready to air.
“To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.”
However, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown is now returning to the studio this month to record a brand new series.
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Meanwhile, TV presenter Rachel Riley has announced she will be taking a short break from Countdown.
Rachel, 39, will temporarily step away from the daytime hit to focus on another project.
Countdown producers have drafted in mathematician Dr Tom Crawford as her replacement.
Dr Crawford appears more than qualified for the role, having obtained a PhD in Fluid Dynamics from the University of Cambridge.
The YouTuber also completed a maths degree from the University of Oxford.
Speaking about joining the show, he said: "COUNTDOWN. Still can’t believe this happened, but you will now be able to watch me attempting to do maths live on television for the next 3 weeks.
Countdown hosts over the years
Since launching in 1982, Channel 4 game show Countdown has become a staple of daytime telly. There have been several presenters throughout the show's long history. Let's take a look back at who has hosted the iconic show.
- Richard Whiteley (1982-2005): The original and longest-serving host, Richard helmed the programme for 23 years. As Countdown was the launch programme for Channel 4, the presenter and journalist was the first person to be seen on the channel. He died in 2005 at the age of 61.
- Des Lynam (2005-2006): Originally from County Clare in Ireland, Des took over from Richard Whiteley after his death. He is known for hosting TV coverage of several sporting events including Wimbledon and the Grand National. He left the show after less than 18 months.
- Des O'Connor (2007-2008): Another Des was next up, in the form of comedian and presenter Des O'Connor. The long-time TV chat show host was known for The Des O'Connor Show and Take Your Pick. He left Countdown to focus on entertainment projects. Des O'Connor died in 2020, aged 88.
- Jeff Stelling (2009-2011): Known for his work presenting Gillette Soccer Saturday, Jeff became the fourth host of Countdown. He had reportedly previously been in consideration to replace Richard Whiteley. He left after three years to focus on football coverage.
- Nick Hewer (2012-2021): Former public relations consultant Nick was one of Lord Sugar's advisors for 10 years on The Apprentice. He became the new host of Countdown in 2012, appearing on both shows for two years. He ultimately left Countdown after nine years.
- Anne Robinson (2021-2022): Best known as the original host of The Weakest Link, in 2021 Anne became the first female Countdown presenter. She left the programme a year later, having recorded 265 episodes.
- Colin Murray (2022-present): Before being named the permanent Countdown host, Colin Murray had been appearing on a guest basis since 2020. He returned to the show following Anne Robinson's departure.
"@rachelrileyrr - and her unparalleled arithmetic skills - are irreplaceable, but with @mrcolinmurray and @susiedent by my side, we’ll do our very best to keep you entertained for the next few weeks.
"Long live daytime television!!"
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Rachel joined Countdown in 2009, having taken over from Carol Vorderman who departed the year previous.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown is available to stream on Channel 4.