Taskmaster, the beloved Channel 4 comedy panel game show, is set to return for its 19th season on May 1, 2025, with an exciting lineup of new contestants. This season will feature a mix of established and rising stars, promising to deliver the same chaotic fun that fans have come to love.
Among the new competitors is Mathew Baynton, known for his roles in Ghosts and Horrible Histories. The 44-year-old actor has expressed his excitement about joining the show, stating, "I did something it’s fair to say I might regret for the rest of my life." Baynton, who has been a fan of Taskmaster since its inception, is ready to engage in the wild challenges that the show is famous for.
Joining Baynton are Jason Mantzoukas, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Rosie Ramsey, and Stevie Martin. Mantzoukas, an American actor and comedian known for his work on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place, is one of the first American contestants on the show. His participation marks a notable expansion for Taskmaster, which has previously featured primarily UK-based comedians.
Rosie Ramsey, the wife of former contestant Chris Ramsey, has also joined the lineup. She is known for her podcast Shagged Married Annoyed and has made guest appearances on various shows, including the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2022.
Fatiha El-Ghorri, a stand-up comedian and writer, is another exciting addition. She has made a name for herself on comedy panel shows and previously participated in David Mitchell's Outsiders. El-Ghorri expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "This is proper bucket list stuff. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given this past year. LOVE my teammates."
Completing the cast is Stevie Martin, known for her roles in Starstruck and Breeders. She has also been involved in popular podcasts like Nobody Panic and Might Delete Later. Martin shared her disbelief at being part of the show, stating, "I will never get my head round this but I got to do series 19 of @taskmaster and isn’t that absolutely mad?"
The show, created by Alex Horne, has enjoyed immense popularity since it first aired in 2015. It has been broadcast in over 120 countries and has garnered a significant following on YouTube, amassing 1.6 million subscribers and 895 million views. The unique format of the show, which involves comedians tackling bizarre challenges set by the Taskmaster, Greg Davies, has kept audiences entertained for a decade.
In a recent interview, Horne expressed his enthusiasm for the show, stating, "I think we’re filming series twenty-one at the moment, which is quite a long time – so it’s 10 years. And there’s not an ounce of me that’s bored of it. I really enjoy it." This sentiment reflects the ongoing creative energy behind Taskmaster, as new contestants bring fresh dynamics and surprises to the format.
Baynton, who has a rich history in comedy, reflected on his experience filming the show, admitting that he had a "momentary wobble" before agreeing to participate. He feared the exposure that comes with being on television, saying, "It is a strangely exposing thing, you’re there really to be made a fool of, and you have to be open to that happening." Despite his initial hesitations, he was reassured by Horne, who is known for supporting contestants through their insecurities.
As filming progressed, Baynton encountered challenges that led to what he humorously described as "full mental breakdowns." He recalled moments of sheer panic when faced with the tasks, stating, "I would open the envelope, have a full mental breakdown within seconds and end up back in the dressing room with my head in my hands going, ‘Well, that was a disaster, hopefully the next one will go a bit better.’" This candidness about the pressures of the show adds to the authenticity and relatability of the contestants.
The new season promises to deliver the same mix of hilarity and unpredictability that has become synonymous with Taskmaster. Viewers can expect to see contestants pushing their limits and embracing the absurdity of the challenges, all under the watchful eye of Davies, who has been a staple of the show since its inception.
As the show approaches its 10th anniversary, it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The upcoming season will run for ten weeks, culminating on July 3, 2025, and is sure to attract both loyal fans and new viewers alike.
In summary, Taskmaster season 19 is shaping up to be an exciting chapter in the show's history, with a diverse cast ready to tackle the outrageous tasks set before them. As Baynton aptly put it, it feels like a dream to be part of a show he has loved for years. With a mix of familiar and fresh faces, this season is poised to be one of the most entertaining yet.
Fans can catch the premiere of Taskmaster season 19 on Channel 4 at 9 PM on May 1, 2025, and follow along as the contestants vie for the coveted golden head.
