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.
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.
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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Popular Channel 4 comedy show returning to screens this month after filming was ‘paused’ by network” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6356439712112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]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.
“@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!!”
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.