Future of Rachel Riley’s iconic Channel 4 show is ‘up in the air’-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has aired since 2012 (Picture: Endemol Shine UK)

There are reportedly no plans to record more episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown this year.

The Channel 4 series is said to be the latest show impacted by the network’s slowdown.

The popular format stars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, who also star in the regular version of the show, as experts. They are joined by Jimmy Carr in the hosting role and Jon Richardson as a regular captain. Since the passing of Sean Lock in 2021, the other captain role has been filled by rotating guests.

The last episodes to air were earlier this year, with celebrity guests including Lee Mack, Rob Beckett, and Judi Love.

Deadline reports that episodes were delivered last year, but Channel 4 has been sitting on them.

‘We have already shot episodes which are ready to air,’ said a spokesperson for the broadcaster.

Rachel and Susie star in both the original version and spin-off (Picture: Channel Four)

‘To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.’

Channel 4 did not disclose when the episodes were recorded.

The ‘anarchic game show mash-up’ uses the traditional format of trying to create words from a randomly selected group of letters and a sum from multiple numbers. However, the later air time and inclusion of comedians leads to a different tone.

The series began in 2012 and has run for 20 seasons, making it one of the channel’s longest-running shows.

Rachel puts the letters on the board and gives answers to the mathematical questions (Picture: Channel 4)

It is understood talent availability plays a role in when filming can happen. Historically, the episodes have always been ordered ad hoc. However, a source told the publication that the delay could be down to an ongoing slowdown of programming, and a choice to spread out shows across the schedule.

Earlier this year, Channel 4 announced plans to head in a new direction and shared their ambitious five-year plan to become a digital-first public service streamer by 2030.

‘The strategy – called Fast Forward – will ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift that is taking place in TV viewing, to elevate its impact across the UK and stand out in a world of global entertainment conglomerates and social media giants,’ their statement read.

Colin Murray hosts the daytime version (Picture: PA)

As part of the plan, they intend to have ‘fewer, stronger new titles that generate more scale and impact’, increase YouTube content, and ‘reduce headcount by 18%’ which will mean around 200 redundancies and the closure of around 40 unfilled roles.

Hunted and 24 Hours in A&E are amongst the shows not getting new episodes this year.

Paddy McGuinness’ series Tempting Fortune is the only entertainment launch of 2023 that has been recommissioned. Alone, Rise & Fall and Scared of the Dark have all been cancelled.

The Big Celebrity Detox, The Big Interiors Battle, The Big Narstie Show and Steph’s Packed Lunch have also been on Channel 4’s axe list in the past year.

Channel 4 reminded Rachel of her ‘obligations as a contributor’ (Picture: Endemol Shine UK)

Countdown in its original format has recorded over 8000 episodes since it began in 1982.

Rachel joined the series in 2009 after Carol Vorderman decided to leave.

She recently faced a backlash after her now-deleted tweet about a horrific incident in Sydney, with the odds of her leaving Countdown rising.

When approached for comment about Rachel’s remarks, a spokesperson for Channel 4 said: ‘We have reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming.’

Mero.co.uk has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

Previous episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown are available to watch on Channel 4

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