Top 10 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Moments

It’s the mascot section of the show, and comedian Phil Wang reckons he’s going to woo Rachel Riley, beginning with a run-through of his educational background. Wang rates his chances highly from the outset, but Rachel’s unconvinced. He does claim to have devised the perfect maths-based pick-up line though, so in case you’re ever in a similar position, you may want to grab a pen and paper.

To the numbers round, and as the clock ticks down, Katherine Ryan exudes confidence. However, as soon as she starts explaining her definitely 100% correct answer to Rachel, it quickly becomes clear that there may be a problem. Undeterred, Ryan completes her calculation in assured fashion, but it all goes wrong at the end. At least she gets a chance at redemption with the Countdown Conundrum at the end of the show.

Joe’s a regular on the show, often appearing (in costume) as Rachel Riley’s assistant. However, while he’s clearly dressed appropriately for this role, his magic tricks might need more than a little fine-tuning. Still, the skit gives Wilkinson ample opportunity to rattle through a barrage of his unique brand of comedy. No rabbits were harmed (or indeed, present) for the making of this show.

From animals that weren’t there, to animals that definitely were. For an episode that really puts the “cat” into “8 Out Of Ten Cats”, Jimmy Carr brings two baskets of kittens onto the set, in a bid to distract the contestants. And the plan works well, at first. But then the kittens turn the tables and begin to take over - leaving Carr clueless over what to do next. It’s quickly becomes a complete catastrophe.

Of all the “Cats Countdown” mascots, there can’t be many more unusual – or amusing – than this one. If you believed that Jon had genuinely written an erotic novel, then those thoughts were quickly dispelled when he started reading from it. And as the action moves from the bathroom to the bedroom, the seductive tension mounts. In Richardson’s safe hands, we can all sleep easy knowing romance isn’t dead.

In Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent often bears the brunt of Carr’s humour for her perceived “nerdiness”. At times she gives as good as she gets, but this particular joke from Carr leaves her – and the rest of the panelists – entirely at a loss. Always a good sport, Dent tries to see funny side, but unusually for a lexicographer she just can’t find the right words.

Staying in Dictionary Corner, with Holly Walsh as the regular guest, for a hilarious routine based on Holly’s love for the humble Venn diagram. Walsh rocks up with a laptop for this gag, keen to provide us with all manner of until-now unthought of links between otherwise unconnected things. And for the big finish, she starts with an insult and logically links her way back to the punchline. It’s basic maths but bloody funny.

Ever wondered what it takes to reduce Jimmy Carr to tears of laughter? Sean Lock manages it in this episode featuring Miles Jupp. It all starts as Jupp suggests a friendly wager for the show. But Jupp’s monetary offer is brutally rejected, when Lock ups the ante in an unusual - and wholly unexpected - way. Ever the professional, Carr tries to pull himself together, but that’s easier said than done.

For a letters round unlike any other, Jimmy Carr’s reading choice hints at what comes next - but the casual nudity is still a shock. The audience and panelists are taken aback when the host – or rather, his double – reappears from behind the screen. Lee Mack’s momentarily lost for words, and Jon Richardson admits to being captivated, as suddenly the search for a seven-letter word seems neither here nor there.

Our winner sees Joe Lycett demonstrate exactly how to fight the law, and win. Enraged when he receives a parking fine, Lycett embarks on a lengthy email interaction to avoid having to pay - beginning with the council, and ending with the cancellation of his ticket. He achieves the desired outcome thanks to a welcome way with words, and some first-rate sarcasm - complete with photographic evidence. Well done that man.