Channel 4 has made a significant announcement regarding the future of one of its most beloved comedy panel shows, confirming that Rob Beckett will become the permanent team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
A New Era Begins
This appointment marks the first permanent team captain role since the tragic passing of Sean Lock in 2021. The beloved comedian, who was remembered as 'one of Britain's finest comedians', had been a fixture on the show since its inception in 2012 and on the original 8 Out of 10 Cats from 2005 until 2015.
Following Lock's death at age 58 after suffering from cancer, the show featured rotating guest captains opposite Jon Richardson's team. However, as production begins on the 29th series, Channel 4 has decided to make Beckett's position permanent, bringing stability to the popular programme.
Beckett's Honoured Response
The stand-up comic and TV presenter expressed both honour and humour when discussing his new role. 'To follow the legend that is Sean Lock is a huge honour and privilege,' Beckett stated.
He continued with his characteristic self-deprecating style: 'I promise to do my very best to give Jimmy Carr as many digs as possible whilst annihilating Jon Richardson at maths and spelling. I also think it's a great day for people that can't count or spell. To go from the worst Countdown player of all time to team captain is great advert to just keep being shit at your job and hope for the best.'
Christmas Return and New Regulars
Viewers won't have to wait long to see the new dynamic in action, as the show returns this Christmas on Channel 4. Alongside Beckett's promotion, the network has announced that Judi Love will become a regular returning guest.
The pairing isn't entirely new - Beckett and Love previously appeared together on Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing earlier this year, which broke records by becoming one of the streaming platform's biggest hits ever.
Love joked about her mathematical abilities when discussing the upcoming series: 'Have they seen my maths!?' she quipped, suggesting the comedy will continue to come from contestants' struggles with the classic gameshow elements.
The core team remains otherwise unchanged, with Jimmy Carr returning as host and Rachel Riley and Susie Dent continuing in their roles managing the numbers and letters rounds respectively.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup
The new series promises no shortage of comedy talent, with an impressive roster of guest stars confirmed to appear. The lineup includes:
- Celebrity Traitors star Nick Mohammed
- Comedy legend Katherine Ryan
- This Country creator Daisy May Cooper
- Comedian Harriet Kemsley
Beyond his new Countdown responsibilities, Beckett maintains a busy schedule. He co-hosts the popular Parenting Hell podcast with fellow comedian Josh Widdicombe, where they discuss the challenges of fatherhood. His television credits include appearances on A League of Their Own, Mock The Week, Taskmaster, Rob & Romesh Vs..., and he narrates Celebs Go Dating.
The announcement brings a sense of continuity to the programme while acknowledging the irreplaceable legacy of Sean Lock. Fans can look forward to seeing how Beckett makes the team captain role his own when 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown returns to Channel 4 this Christmas.
