Jason Manford quits 8 Out Of 10 Cats
As reported on the British Comedy Guide forums on Thursday, Northern comic Jason Manford (pictured, far right) has quit Channel 4 panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, and will be replaced by Jon Richardson in the upcoming 11th series.
Manford, who was embroiled in a minor sex sleaze scandal last year after exchanging private messages with female fans (an act which lead to his quitting a then-recently appointed presenting role on The One Show), is instead working on a new ITV talent programme, currently titled Show Me The Funny.
Based on this latest news, it would appear that the Mancunian comic is moving to become a regular 'ITV face'. He has also presented Comedy Rocks With Jason Manford for ITV, a popular Friday night entertainment series which broadcast earlier in 2011, and is a team captain alongside Peter Andre on ITV's quirky panel show Odd One In (a second series of which is in production now).
Jason Manford's regular role as team captain on Channel 4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats began in 2007 when he took over from Dave Spikey. From Series 11 - due to start recording in the coming weeks - Jon Richardson will take Manford's place. Sean Lock is to remain as the opposing captain with Jimmy Carr as host.
Manford posted a message on Facebook stating: "Because of Show Me The Funny and the tour dates I have, I have left my role as captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats. But the brilliant Jon Richardson will be taking over who will no doubt do an even better job."
Jon Richardson (pictured) has recently joined another Channel 4 comedy series. He now has the sports slot on the channel's topical comedy show, Stand Up For The Week. Commenting this morning, Richardson wrote on his Twitter account that he is "delighted to be joining as a regular on the next series."
Tickets for Series 11 will be available soon.
Jason Manford's new format is Show Me The Funny, a new 7-part Big Talk production for ITV. It will see 10 wannabe stand-ups travelling around the country, writing and performing material based upon their experiences during the week. At the end of the series, one comedian will be crowned 'The Next Big Stand-Up', winning their own tour, a DVD release, and a cash prize.
A similar format was also trialled by ITV in 2007, but despite starring big names such as Frank Skinner, Dara O'Briain and Russell Howard, Tough Gig was cancelled mid-run.