Popular Channel 4 comedy show returning to screens this month – after filming was ‘paused’ by network

A POPULAR Channel 4 comedy show will be returning to the airwaves very soon.

At the beginning of May of this year, the commercial network hit the pause button on new episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

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Channel 4

Channel 4

Now it seems that Channel 4 has performed a major U-turn regarding the show.

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown first appeared on screens in 2012 and has been a hit with viewers ever since.

Now, the broadcaster has announced that a new episode of the show will air on Friday July 19 at 9pm.

The show follows the format of Countdown, the words and numbers game which was the first programme to ever be broadcast on Channel 4 back in 1982.

Jimmy Carr has fronted 8 Out Of 10 Cats since 2005, where Jon Richardson and the late Sean Locke were the original team captains.

As the programmes merged together for the unique format, Countdown regulars Susie Dent and Rachel Riley joined the episodes fronted by the popular comedian.

This comes after Channel 4 originally put a stop to any new episodes of the show in 2024 due to money woes.

Deadline originally reported that Channel 4 had several episodes of the hit panel show in the can that were ready to air.

It had no plans at that time to record more shows that could air before 2025.

Although recordings took place last year, the production company of the show, Zeppotron, were told that no new episodes would be filmed in 2024.

A spokesperson for the channel told the outlet: “We have already shot episodes which are ready to air.

“To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.”

However, at the time the representative did not elaborate on when shooting new episodes would continue.

Sources also told the publication the decision was linked to money as bosses looked to spread shows across the schedule.

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 the show 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.

Channel 4

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