8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is set to make its long-awaited return to Channel 4 on Friday, July 29. The series, which is hosted by Jimmy Carr, follows the game of Countdown, but presented in a comedic panel show format seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats, with the show being a crossover of the two. Regular Countdown, meanwhile, announced its new presenter this week, which you can read about here.
The show had two regular team captains: Jon Richardson and Sean Lock until Lock's death in 2021. Lock passed away after a battle with cancer. According to comedian and close friend of Lock, Bill Bailey, he had been diagnosed with "advanced" lung cancer "a few years ago". You can read more about that here.
Lock's death means that there is a team captain seat vacant and fans have been keen to find out who will fill that role. Keep reading for everything you need to know about 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown's 23rd season.
Who is replacing Sean Lock on the show?
Lock recorded all six episodes for season 22 before he died and the show was released after his passing. The last episode of season 22, which aired in February this year, was his final TV appearance.
Unfortunately, Lock had not recorded any season 23 episodes and he will be replaced by special guests each week, rather than a permanent new team captain.
In the first episode, Jon Richardson and wife Lucy Beaumont, will take on Richard Ayoade and Joe Wilkinson, episode two will see Alan Carr and Harriet Kemsley play against Jonathan Ross and Maisie Adam, and episode three will have Jon teamed up with Jo Brand as they take on Joe Wilkinson and Jamali Maddix.
The guests taking part in episodes 4-6 have not yet been confirmed.
Countdown’s mathematician Rachel Riley and Dictionary Corner's Susie Dent will also return.
When does the show return?
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown returns to Channel 4 on Friday, July 29 at 9pm. The series will run for six weeks with a new episode released consecutively.
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