...but just the once

Jimmy Carr is to be the host of Countdown – but for one episode only.

Channel 4 has today announced that Nick Hewer, Lord Alan Sugar’s adviser on The Apprentice, will take over from Jeff Stelling on the words and numbers show in 2012.

But Carr will chair a one-off showdown between 8 Out Of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson as part of a special ‘mash-up’ night to mark Channel 4’s 30th birthday.

Alan Carr is also taking part in the special programming, to air in early January, joining Kirstie Allsopp in Location, Location, Location.

In other programmes, the cast of Made In Chelsea will take part in Come Dine With Me and Davina McCall will become a contestant on The Million Pound Drop with Phil Spencer as host.

Justin Gorman, head of entertainment at Channel 4 said the event would involve ‘some of Channel 4's biggest stars and some of our favourite shows, as you've never seen them before.’

Published: 16 Nov 2011