A fresh cohort of comedians, including household names Matt Lucas and Richard Ayoade, have been announced for the 22nd series of the popular Channel 4 show, Taskmaster. The quintet, which also features Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, and Nina Conti, are set to undertake a series of often-absurd challenges under the watchful eyes of Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant, 'Little' Alex Horne.
Channel 4 has stated that these comics have 'willingly submitted themselves to the toughest physical and mental examination on television', with only one ultimately taking home the glory. The show, known for its unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and comedic failure, sees participants scored with rigorous scrutiny by Davies, often based on arbitrary or humorous criteria.
Matt Lucas brings a wealth of experience, widely recognised for his work on BBC sketch comedies such as Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, alongside David Walliams. His acting career spans across various major productions, including Doctor Who, Paddington, and Wonka. Richard Ayoade, a familiar face on Channel 4, is best known for his portrayal of Maurice Moss in the acclaimed sitcom The IT Crowd and recently came second in the first season of the hit comedy show Last One Laughing.
The line-up is bolstered by other notable talents. Chloe Petts has previously supported Ed Gamble on tour and made appearances on programmes like House Of Games and Have I Got News For You. Isy Suttie is recognisable to many for her role as Dobby in Peep Show, while Nina Conti is an accomplished ventriloquist and director, having helmed the comedy feature Sunlight.
Taskmaster's format, which originated from Alex Horne's concept at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, challenges five celebrities to complete a series of tasks, ranging from the ingeniously simple to the utterly bizarre. The show first aired on Dave in 2015 before making its highly successful transition to Channel 4 in 2019. Its unique appeal has led to numerous international adaptations, including versions in Australia and New Zealand, further solidifying its global reach.