8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

9 July 2013

Channel 4 orders six specials of comedy panel show’s Countdown mash up from Zeppotron & ITV Studios

Jimmy Carr hosts with regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson taking over the words and numbers quiz

Madeleine Knight, C4’s Entertainment Commissioning Editor has commissioned six specials of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, co-produced by Zeppotron and ITV Studios, which will launch on the channel this summer.

Jimmy Carr will host the famous words and numbers quiz, with 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson playing against each other. In each episode they will be joined by guests from the world of comedy and entertainment, including Sarah Millican, Jason Manford, Jack Dee and Rhod Gilbert.

Countdown’s dictionary corner lexicographer Susie Dent will take part, joined by a different guest for each episode. Mathematician Rachel Riley will take on her usual Countdown role, and will be accompanied by her assistant, Joe Wilkinson.

The series deal follows the success of the 8 Out of 10 Cats ‘mash up’ specials which debuted on Channel 4 in January 2012. Zeppotron have produced four editions combining the two popular long running shows.

Entertainment Commissioning Editor, Madeleine Knight said: “Originally commissioned as part of the Channel 4 Mash Up night, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has proved it deserves a run of its own. This combination of two of Channel 4’s favourite shows brings together the best of both. It’s a treat.”

Zeppotron Managing Director Ruth Phillips says; “It’s such a treat for us to be making more of 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, not least because Countdown is such a robust format to have fun with.  The combination of both shows means viewers get to play along so it really is something for both quiz and comedy fans alike.”  

8 Out of Cats Does Countdown was commissioned by Madeleine Knight, Channel 4’s Entertainment Commissioning Editor. The series is a co-production by Zeppotron and Countdown producers ITV Studios.