Taskmaster, the beloved British panel game show, is gearing up for its 19th season, with Channel 4 officially announcing its lineup of eager contestants. Among those preparing to take on the quirky challenges set by host Greg Davies are several fan-favorites from various realms of comedy and entertainment.
The five new contestants include Mathew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey, Jason Mantzoukas, Fatiha El-Ghorri, and Stevie Martin. Each brings their unique flair to the series, ensuring plenty of humor and excitement for viewers.
Leading the pack is Mathew Baynton, well-known for his roles on Ghosts, Horrible Histories, and Yonderland. At 44 years old, Baynton has captivated audiences with his versatile performances ranging from melodramatic characters to comedic roles. He has recently been recognized for his portrayal of the evil chocolatier Felix Fickelgruber in the 2023 film Wonka, along with his acclaimed stage performance as Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Joining Baynton is Rosie Ramsey, popular for her hit podcast Shagged Married Annoyed, which she co-hosts with her husband, Chris Ramsey. The show has garnered significant attention, allowing them to tour extensively. Rosie’s recent foray onto the dance floor during the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Christmas special showcased her charisma, finishing joint second on the leaderboard. Her previous TV appearances include The Wheel and crying with laughter during the 2024 edition of Comic Relief.
Next up is American comedian Jason Mantzoukas, known for his memorable character roles, particularly as Rafi in The League and Adrian Pimento on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Mantzoukas brings his comedic prowess to Taskmaster, where he has previously expressed admiration for the show's ability to highlight the humorous side of challenges rather than their correctness. His notable television credits extend to The Good Place and the animated series Big Mouth, where he voices the character Jay Bilzerian.
Adding another voice to the line-up is Fatiha El-Ghorri, who has made waves on BBC's Live at the Apollo and appeared on the second series of the Dave comedy game show Outsiders. El-Ghorri’s relatable humor and engaging performance style have won over audiences, making her one to watch this season.
Completing the cast is Stevie Martin, known for her poignant humor as well as her writing. Martin has appeared on various comedy panel shows, such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, and has garnered attention for her stand-up comedy, including her latest show Clout, which she showcased at the Edinburgh Festival. Martin also co-hosts the podcast Nobody Panic with Tessa Coates, which explores the myriad challenges faced by millennial women.
The new series of Taskmaster is set to arrive later this year, though the exact date remains under wraps. This follows the successful New Year's Treat special, which aired during the festive period. Taskmaster has come to be celebrated for its uniquely engaging format, encouraging creatives to approach challenges with humor and originality.
Since its debut back in July 2015, Taskmaster has captured hearts around the world, being broadcast across 120 countries, amassing 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, and racking up nearly 895 million views on their official channel. The series has opened Taskmaster: The Live Experience in London, highlighting its rapid global expansion and enduring appeal.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the challenges this new casting brings, willing to see how each contestant will fare under the watchful eye of Greg Davies and his trusty assistant Alex Horne. With such a diverse and talented group of comedians, this season promises to deliver endless entertainment.
For those hoping to catch the latest antics, Taskmaster 19 will air on Channel 4 and will also be available for international streaming through the Taskmaster YouTube channel and Taskmaster SuperMax+. With speculation swirling around possible surprise guests and creative challenges, audiences are sure to tune in for what is expected to be another unforgettable series.