It's what they have always done. A set of new episodes, then a set of repeats. I think they have 22 new episodes still to show from the filming earler this year.
Richard decided he was over committed and asked to leave the show, but, has agreed to be with the celebrity shows. In the meantime there will be a large variety of 'guest' assistants as mentioned above. The current crop are indeed old recorded shows. Yes Margo, Stephen was good.