8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown to return this summer

Jimmy Carr will once again 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 special guests from the world of comedy and entertainment. Guests include Jonathan Ross, Bill Bailey, Freddie Flintoff, Jo Brand, Jason Manford, Vic Reeves, Claudia Winkleman, Josh Widdicombe and Stephen Mangan.

Countdown’s resident lexicographer Susie Dent, mathematician Rachel Riley, and comedian Joe Wilkinson, who acts as Rachel's supposed assistant will also make a return to the new series.

8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown was first conceived as part of Channel 4’s ‘Mash Up’ night in 2012 and has now run for 16 episodes. The show has proved to be a ratings hit, attracting close to an average 2 .7 million viewers an episode.

Entertainment Commissioning Editor, Madeleine Knight said: “Every series of 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is more ambitious with an amazing line up of star guests. Countdown is a compelling game but also a brilliant comedy vehicle which is always a treat to watch.”

Zeppotron Managing Director Ruth Phillips says: “We’re delighted to be making more 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown  and hope that viewers will continue to enjoy the mix of playing along with such a classic game show, while being bombarded with comedic tomfoolery.”  

The new series returns to Channel 4 in June.

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. 

The Executive Producers at Zeppotron are Ruth Phillips, Andrew Westwell and Richard Osman. The Series Producer is Karen Murdoch.