8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Jimmy Carr presents the words‑and‑numbers quiz on the programme, leading two competing teams captained by Sean Lock and Jon Richardson. Their teammates are comedian Bill Bailey and comedian Josh Widdicombe, and Jake Yapp contributes from Dictionary Corner as part of the show.

The series is a comedy‑driven quiz that pits participants against a series of word and number challenges. Each episode follows a words‑and‑numbers format, requiring contestants to decipher linguistic clues and crunch figures under pressure. The whole affair is steered by Jimmy Carr, whose dry wit sets the tone for the proceedings. At the heart of the competition are two permanent team captains, Sean Lock and Jon Richardson. Lock leads a side that includes comedian Bill Bailey, while Richardson heads a team featuring comedian Josh Widdicombe. The captains guide their partners through each round, providing banter as they aim to outscore the opposition in both verbal and numerical tasks. Adding an extra flavour to the show, Jake Yapp occupies the Dictionary Corner. In this role he provides commentary on the language elements of the game, interjecting with jokes and observations that complement the main quiz and give the audience a deeper look at the word‑play involved. The combination of Carr’s hosting, the captains’ leadership, the guest comedians’ contributions, and Yapp’s Dictionary Corner commentary creates an entertaining format. The programme blends rapid‑fire maths with clever word puzzles, delivering a lively experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.