News

What happens when you take five comedians, put them in a miniscule, eclectic house in Chiswick and tell them to make a fool out of themselves for the entertainment of millions? Well, Taskmaster of course! The comedy competition series returns for its nineteenth season on May 1, and Collider is excited to premiere some exclusive images of competitor Jason Mantzoukas as he takes on the insanity of the British panel series.

The images don’t give us a great idea of what kinds of tasks Mantzoukas and the rest of the contestants will be put through over the course of ten episodes, but they do give us a great idea of the energy he’s bringing going into things. He revealed on former competitors James Acaster and Ed Gamble’s podcast Off Menu that he’s a huge fan of the long-running competition series — which has also featured comedians like Noel Fielding,...

The new show Junior Taskmaster is more than just a silly spin-off of the original; it’s a story with themes of childish whimsy and social thought. Under the guidance of silly adult hosts, the show turns competition into a stage where kids (ages 9 to 12) have to do silly tasks. While changing how we perceive competition and collaboration, this kid-friendly remake of Taskmaster keeps the show’s comedic essence.

The format involves children engaging in strange challenges, which show real moments of creativity and teamwork. Thanks to this participatory framework, the audience can celebrate the joy of the process itself as well as the winners. Junior Taskmaster cleverly navigates intergenerational appeal by targeting a family audience, allowing adults to reflect on the past while engaging with young views.

The series represents a larger cultural shift toward inclusivity by challenging traditional narratives that frequently exclude younger voices. In the end, Junior...

On Monday 23 December 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

The Final Season 1 Episode 8 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Junior Taskmaster,” titled “The Final,” promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season. Rose Matafeo will be at the helm as she presents the champion with a unique trophy shaped like her golden head. This quirky twist adds a fun element to the competition, making it a memorable event for the young contestants.

In this episode, viewers can expect a variety of challenges that will test the skills and creativity of the junior competitors. One of the tasks involves tent construction, where the children will need to showcase their building abilities. This challenge is sure to bring out some interesting designs and teamwork among the participants.

Another highlight of the episode is the memory-based mayhem. Contestants will face tasks that require them to remember specific details, leading to some entertaining moments...

On Friday 20 December 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

Season 1 Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Junior Taskmaster” promises to be an exciting one, as it marks the second and final semi-final of the season. The youthful competitors are ready to bring their best efforts to impress the host, Rose Matafeo. With their task-based tenacity on full display, viewers can expect a thrilling competition filled with creativity and determination.

In this episode, the tasks are sure to challenge the young contestants in unique ways. Tension will run high as they tackle various challenges that test their skills and problem-solving abilities. The mention of caterpillars adds an interesting twist, hinting at some fun and possibly messy tasks ahead.

Additionally, a bit of detective work will be involved, keeping the competitors on their toes. The blend of challenges is likely to lead to some unexpected moments and plenty of laughs. As the semi-final unfolds,...

On Friday 13 December 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

Season 1 Episode 6 Episode Summary

The excitement builds as “Junior Taskmaster” approaches its first semi-final episode on Channel 4. This episode promises to be full of fun and creativity, as the young contestants face new challenges that will test their skills and imagination.

In this episode, the candidates will meet Mark the milkman, who adds a unique twist to the tasks. The children will be asked to perform poems about their favorite celebrities, a challenge that is sure to bring out their personalities. With each performance, viewers can expect a range of interpretations, from heartfelt tributes to humorous takes, showcasing the diverse talents of the young participants.

As the semi-final unfolds, the drama is likely to rise. Each candidate will strive to impress the Taskmaster with their creativity and flair. The mix of poetry and performance will create memorable moments, making this episode a standout in the series.

On Friday 6 December 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

Nice Shiny Buttons Season 1 Episode 5 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Junior Taskmaster,” titled “Nice Shiny Buttons,” promises to be an exciting conclusion to the final heat. It will air on Channel 4 and features the always entertaining Mike Wozniak. In this episode, Wozniak finds himself on the receiving end of some intense eye contact and clever insults. The playful banter adds a fun twist to the challenges faced by the young contestants.

Junior Taskmaster Rose Matafeo has a tough decision to make. With five talented kids competing for a spot in the semi-finals, the stakes are high. Each contestant will showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in various tasks. Matafeo will have to carefully weigh their performances to determine who will advance.

Fans of the show can expect plenty of laughter and unexpected moments. The interactions between Wozniak and the young competitors...

The excitement builds as “Junior Taskmaster” reaches its final heat with Season 1 Episode 5, titled “Nice Shiny Buttons.” This episode promises a mix of tension and creativity, as five young contestants compete for a spot in the semi-finals. With the clock ticking, viewers can expect a whirlwind of challenges that will test the kids’ inventiveness and wit.

Mike Wozniak takes center stage as he faces the contestants, enduring both intense eye contact and clever insults. His reactions are sure to be entertaining, as the kids showcase their unique personalities and quick thinking. Rose Matafeo, the Junior Taskmaster, has the tough job of deciding who will move forward in the competition. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for everyone involved.

As the episode unfolds, fans can look forward to hilarious moments and surprising twists. Each contestant brings their own flair to the challenges, making it a thrilling watch. Tune...

On Friday 29 November 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

Overthinking Overthinking Season 1 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Junior Taskmaster,” titled “Overthinking Overthinking,” promises to be an entertaining mix of creativity and fun challenges. Airing on Channel 4, this episode features Mike Wozniak, who gets the chance to build sandcastles. Known for his playful spirit, Wozniak is sure to bring a unique flair to this task, making it a highlight of the episode.

In a twist, Rose Matafeo takes on the role of judge, evaluating what items would be most useful in a zombie apocalypse. This unusual theme adds an exciting layer to the competition, as the young contestants must think critically about their choices. The combination of humor and strategy is likely to keep everyone engaged.

Additionally, this week’s group of five contestants will have the opportunity to meet some Hollywood royalty. This special encounter is sure to create...

On Friday 22 November 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Junior Taskmaster!

Rustic Shin Pad Season 1 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Junior Taskmaster,” titled “Rustic Shin Pad,” promises to be another exciting installment in the beloved series. Hosted by Rose Matafeo and her sidekick Mike Wozniak, this episode will feature a new group of young competitors ready to tackle wacky challenges. As the competition heats up, viewers can expect plenty of laughs and unexpected moments.

In heat three, five fresh-faced contestants will take on a series of tasks that are sure to test their creativity and problem-solving skills. The challenges will involve foam, leading to some amusing and chaotic situations. The young competitors will have to think on their feet as they navigate these fun and unpredictable tasks.

One of the highlights of the episode is an unfortunate mix-up involving peas. This mishap is likely to add an extra layer of humor to the proceedings,...

On Friday, November 29, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, Channel 4 will air a brand-new episode of “Junior Taskmaster.” Season 1, Episode 4, titled “Overthinking Overthinking,” brings another fun-filled challenge as the young contestants continue to show off their creativity and problem-solving skills. In this exciting episode, the tasks are as quirky and entertaining as ever, with each one pushing the kids to think outside the box.

Mike Wozniak is in his element as he gets the chance to build sandcastles, a task that’s sure to delight fans who love seeing the playful side of the show. Meanwhile, comedian Rose Matafeo takes on the role of judge, determining which task would be most useful in a zombie apocalypse—a fun and imaginative way to put the contestants’ skills to the test. The episode also sees the fab five getting acquainted with Hollywood royalty, adding an extra layer of excitement and surprises.

“Junior Taskmaster” continues to blend humor,...

On Friday, November 22, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, Channel 4 presents Junior Taskmaster: Rustic Shin Pad, the third episode of this fun-filled series hosted by Rose Matafeo and her sidekick Mike Wozniak. The competition is heating up as five young contestants take on increasingly challenging and hilarious tasks. In this episode, the kids are ready to face off with their best efforts, but not without a few mishaps along the way.

In heat three, the contestants are tasked with putting their creative minds to the test, leading to faces full of foam and plenty of laughs. One of the challenges leads to an unfortunate mix-up involving peas, which is sure to leave both the competitors and viewers in stitches. The unpredictable nature of the tasks and the youthful energy of the participants promise an entertaining hour of TV. With Rose and Mike guiding the chaos, Rustic Shin Pad is another episode packed...

Time for some for pint-sized pandemonium! Taskmaster has spawned a junior version, and if the premiere episode, “Happy Birthday Bandana,” is anything to go by, it’s going to be utterly brilliant. Move over Greg Davies and Little Alex Horne, there’s a new dynamic duo in town: Rose Matafeo and Mike Wozniak are taking the reins […]

Junior Taskmaster Series Premiere “Happy Birthday Bandana” – A New Generation of Mayhem...

Kids can now participate in Junior Taskmaster, which debuts on Channel 4 in November. Here’s the trailer for the show.

When comedian Alex Horne roped in a few of his funny friends to take part in a one-off task based live show in 2010 at that year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he couldn’t have forseen the behemoth it would become. From Joe Wilkinson’s heartbreaking encounter with a potato, Bob Mortimer’s special cuddle to a tense live round of Sausage or Finger, Taskmaster has become one of the most popular programmes on television.

Channel 4 is currently broadcasting series 18, which stars Andy Zaltzman, Babatunde Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones.

It’s surprising that it has taken this long for a spin-off to emerge, but here we are.

Junior Taskmaster takes the silliness of the main show and lets a group of kids take on the Junior Taskmaster,...

A new month brings new BritBox arrivals for British TV lovers!

Before “Taskmaster” returns to Channel 4 on Thursday, Sept. 12, starting binging new arrival “Man Down,” created/written by and starring Greg Davies. The full series will come to the streamer throughout the month, with each season of the four-season series premiering on Mondays beginning Sept. 2.

Crawl into the criminal underbelly with the International Emmy Award-winning three-part crime thriller “Des,” starring David Tennant as infamous Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Also new this month are Season 5 of crime drama “The Bay” and Season 3 of police procedural “The Tower,” which will begin streaming new weekly episodes this month.

Ready to watch? Find out The Streamable’s top picks for what’s new, and find out everything coming to BritBox throughout September!

7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com What are the 3 Best Shows, Movies, and Specials Coming to BritBox in September 2024? “Man Down” Seasons 1–4 | Mondays,...

The joyous comedy of Taskmaster will be back on our screens in September. More on the brilliantly funny show below.

Taskmaster has been bringing surreal silliness to our TV screens for over a decade. From Joe Wilkinson’s heartbreaking encounter with a potato and the red green to Bob Mortimer’s special cuddle, legions of fans have taken Taskmaster to their hearts.

We’re now on series 18 and joining Greg Davies and Alex Horne this year are Andy Zaltzman, Babatunde Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones. The new series debuts on 12th September at 9pm on Channel 4.

The gang are also already planning another series, with Horne hinting at a big name appearing on Taskmaster for season 19.

“We’ve got someone in the next series, series 19, from abroad, who’s a big name overseas, which we’ve not done before. So yeah, there’s always different avenues to go down,...

The line up for Taskmaster series 18 has been confirmed, with Jack Dee and Rosie Jones among the famous names.

Now that we’ve come to the end of yet another joyous ten weeks of Taskmaster, it’s already time to look forward to the next series.

According to the British Comedy Guide, the line up for series 18 is as follows: Andy Zaltzman, Babatunde Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones.

The British Comedy Guide also reported that a new spin-off series called Taskmasterclass will begin on Channel 4 on Thursday 6th June. The show will highlight the contribution of “brains behind the tasks, and feature interviews with former contestants about their time on the programme”. Greg Davies and Little Alex Horne will narrate the hour-long episodes. In the first one, the hosts will discuss “whether there is any point to the seemingly pointless tasks on Taskmaster“, in the process...

As Alex Horne tells it, Taskmaster was born out of professional jealousy. In 2009, he became a parent and so broke with almost a decade of tradition by not taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe. That same year, his friend and former flatmate Tim Key won the festival’s top comedy award, for which Horne had been nominated in 2003.

At home and envious, Horne sent out emails inviting 20 comedians – including Key – to take part in a new competition in which he would set them a different task each month for a year. The results would be shared in a live performance at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe called The Taskmaster.

The result was organised chaos. An overdraft of comedians (a Fringe-specific collective noun) plus a pianist joined Horne on stage to reveal the results, set tie-break tasks, and eventually crown a winner.

“So this is The Taskmaster,” Horne told the crowd, “It...

It’s certainly a good time to be a Taskmaster fan. Series 15 had one of the best casts yet, becoming an instant fan favourite (and making the top 5 of our series ranking), and series 16 has a seriously promising line-up. Channel 4 has confirmed we’re getting at least six more series of Taskmaster-y goodness over the next three years, and the show is even getting its first spin-off: Junior Taskmaster, fronted by former Taskmaster alumni Rose Matafeo and Mike Wozniak.

Now that Junior Taskmaster is confirmed, there’s been a rumour that there’s a second spin-off on the way: the culinary-themed Foodmaster. If rumours in The Sun are true (!), there’s a pilot in the works already for this foodie version of the show, but Greg Davies and Alex Horne aren’t on the menu.

What if this is true and – more importantly – what if this is just the start?...

Warning: contains, well, would you call them spoilers? Anyway, those.

Taskmaster’s weekly prize task involves each contestant bringing in an item that responds to the same prompt (Most Powerful Smell/Best Chair/Most Important Document…) in the hope of winning the lot at the end of the episode. It’s the first task of every show, a chance for the comedians to land a punchline early doors, and points-wise, to bag what series 15 runner-up Ivo Graham might refer to as “a Sweet Five”.

All that time to plan the perfect response! What a boon for swots and “Be Prepared” types, you might think. Sometimes. And sometimes not. The capricious nature of the Taskmaster’s scoring logic often finds painstakingly honed prize task entries sent away with a single point while zero-thought efforts delivered with conviction sail off with the big money. And by big money, we mean framed photographs of Frankie Boyle’s children,...

It was the big question. When the Junior Taskmaster spin-off was announced back in March with new hosts welcoming the nation’s children to complete a series of absurd and pointless challenges, who would be sitting in the golden thrones? A new Taskmaster was required, along with a new Taskmaster’s assistant. One had to be masterful and imperious, the other detail-oriented and servile, and crucially, they both had to be good with kids.

The answer: series nine and 11 contestants Rose Matafeo and Mike Wozniak! Matafeo will be taking the Junior Taskmaster role scoring the young contestants’ efforts, with Wozniak providing admin-based support in the studio and on-site child wrangling during tasks as the Junior Taskmaster’s Assistant.

Matafeo came second in her series of Taskmaster, in which she competed against winner Ed Gamble (now the host of the show’s official podcast), and fellow not-winners David Baddiel, Katy Wix and Jo Brand.

HanWay is selling the title at the European Film Market (EFM).

Alice Lowe directs and leads time-travelling romantic comedy, Timestalker – a tale of one woman’s unrequited love, played out across several centuries. She is joined by Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson, Aneurin Barnard and Tanya Reynolds.

Screen can exclusively reveal a first look at the project.

The UK feature is produced by Western Edge Pictures, in co-production with Popcorn Group. Funding came from the BFI, Head Gear Films, Popcorn Group and Ffilm Cymru Wales with funding from the National Lottery and Welsh Government via Creative Wales. UK sales outfit HanWay represents world sales.

David Schwimmer will don his apron and compete for the coveted Star Baker prize as he joins the cast of The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

The Friends actor will enter the Bake Off tent for a special episode, which will broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK and raise money and awareness for Stand Up To Cancer.

The Great British Bake Off streams as The Great British Baking Show on Netflix in the U.S., but the celebrity version has not previously featured on the service.

Other stars booked to appear include David Morrissey, star of The Walking Dead; Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson; and Joe Thomas, The Inbetweeners actor. Full line-up below.

Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas host the show, which is produced by Love Productions.

Adele Roberts

Broadcaster and radio presenter

Aj Odudu

TV presenter

Coleen Nolan

Author, singer and TV personality

David Morrissey

Actor and filmmaker

David Schwimmer

Actor,...

Tubi has announced its first unscripted cooking series, “Kitchen Commando,” hosted by US Army Master Sergeant and White House chef Andre Rush. Executive produced by Gordon Ramsay, the new series enlists Chef Andre to help save struggling restaurants and reignite their passion for the service industry.

Over the 10-episode season, Chef Rush will visit restaurants in the D.C. area that are in need of his discipline, resourcefulness and talents to whip these restaurants back into shape. Chef Rush’s skills will be put the test in the first episode, when he meets a defeated married couple whose crab-themed restaurant is now a toxic mess.

“Kitchen Commando” premieres on February 12, 2023 with a new episode rolling out every Sunday for ten weeks. “Kitchen Commando” is a Fox Alternative Entertainment and Studio Ramsay Global production.

Also in today’s TV news:

Renewals

“Say Yes to the Prom” is back for its 11th...

Taskmaster seems to be one of those magically perfect TV shows, but of course the root of its genius isn’t magic at all: it’s a whip-smart combination of Alex Horne’s original format, the comedic force of nature that is Greg Davies in the role of the Taskmaster, and relentlessly good casting.

As we’ve said before, there’s no such thing as a bad series of Taskmaster, and we’re sure Series 15 will be no different, but until it arrives, what should fans fill their time watching?

Take a look at these similarly delightful TV shows, including plenty featuring previous Taskmaster series alumni:

Man Down (Channel 4)

Starring the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies, this Channel 4 sitcom centres on his character Dan, a frankly terrible schoolteacher who is having an infinitely amusing midlife crisis. As you can see from the clip above, it’ll please fans of Davies’ scathing takedowns,...

If you thought We Are Not Alone was going to be the kind of comforting comedy you get from Ghosts you’ll quickly find out you’re wrong. The opening scene, in which the main character Stewart ends up suddenly covered in his best friend’s innards after he gets crushed by an alien messaging device, is a pretty big clue that this is a departure into a slightly more grown-up territory.

This new feature-length Dave comedy doesn’t waste any time: we’re straight into the action, discovering Earth has been invaded and conquered by the Gu’uns, a blue, large-foreheaded alien race with Very Big Guns. The Gu’uns don’t muck about – their takeover has included blowing up New Zealand, nixing everyone’s mobile phone signal and blasting the Chancellor of England into space (so it’s not all bad news), and in a brief appearance from...

It’s official: Taskmaster’s New Year Treat is back for a third year running in 2023, and the five celebrities taking part have just been announced. Introducing this year’s (post-)Christmas Taskmaster cast: Amelia Demoldenberg, Carol Vorderman, Greg James, Sir Mo Farah and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem).

Amelia Demoldenberg

If you’ve recently been asking yourself ‘Am I well old?’ then your familiarity with comedian and YouTuber Amelia Demoldenberg should give you an answer. She’s best known for her Chicken Shop Date YouTube series, where she interviews bright young things like grime artists, Premier League footballers… and Louis Theroux.

Carol Vorderman

The Countdown queen! And no stranger to performing tasks under pressure, as her appearances on I’m a Celebrity and The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off (which she won in 2020) proved.

Greg James

Yes, we all know he’s Radio 1’s breakfast show presenter,...

You can get a double dose of Alex Horne on your TV tonight, as his brand-new six-part sitcom The Horne Section TV Show premieres on All4 today.

Horne will be playing a fictionalised version of himself, who tires of being Greg Davies’ little assistant, and decides to pitch his own late-night music chat show on Channel 4, featuring his band The Horne Section, to be filmed at his chaotic home.

Irreverent and sometimes surreal, the humour is self-aware and silly, with the lovable blend of comedy and catchy music that The Horne Section is known for. It’s a little bit scrappy and homemade, but benefits from not taking itself too seriously, and grows in confidence over the first three episodes as it carves out its own identity.

Desiree Burch is excellent, high-energy fun as the frustrated producer, Greg Davies’ particular brand of petulant, egotistical hilarity is in full force,...

Production has commenced in Wales.

UK director Alice Lowe’s Timestalker has added Screen Stars of Tomorrow Aneurin Barnard (2009) and Tanya Reynolds (2020) to the cast, alongside Nick Frost, as its shoot gets underway in Wales.

Further newly announced cast include Kate Dickie, Dan Skinner and Mike Wozniak, who all starred in Lowe’s directorial debut, Venice 2016 premiere Prevenge.

They join the previously announced cast Lowe and Jacob Anderson. Sam Riley and Natasia Demetriou are no longer attached to the project.

HanWay has worldwide sales rights, and will be sharing materials at the upcoming American Film Market.

Lowe is reteaming on...

Alice Lowe’s latest film Timestalker has started shooting in Wales.

Billed as a “reincarnation romcom,” the film follows the tale of one woman’s unrequited love spanning several centuries. Lowe directs from a screenplay she wrote. She also stars in the film alongside Jacob Anderson (Game Of Thrones), Aneurin Barnard (David Copperfield), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz).

Kate Dickie (The Green Knight), Dan Skinner (Notes on Blindness), and Mike Wozniak (Horrible Histories) have also joined the cast. The trio previously starred in Lowe’s directorial debut Prevenge, which screened at Venice, TIFF, London, AFI & SXSW.

Timestalker is in co-production with Popcorn Group and funded by the BFI, Head Gear Films, Popcorn Group, and Ffilm Cymru Wales with funding from the National Lottery and Welsh Government via Creative Wales. Vaughan Sivell and Western Edge Pictures are producers. Hanway Films have worldwide rights.

“This is such a...

Ding ding, everybody off the Taskmaster bus! New passengers incoming! Series 12 – which taught us that Victoria Coren-Mitchell never learned how to ride a bike, Guz Khan owns more framed portraits of himself than is sensible, Desiree Burch can’t burst a balloon with a fork to save her life, Morgana Robinson is able to get goose bumps at will and Alan Davies still has a Jonathan Creek wig in his loft – has reached its climax. One lucky winner has skipped away merrily with the Taskmaster’s gleaming head as a prize and plenty of time to prepare for the inevitable Series 11-15 Champion of Champions special. Meanwhile the other four have skipped away safe in the knowledge that nobody is ever again likely to ask them to sit on a cake.

That means it’s time for the next line-up, which is confirmed to feature (in alphabetical first name order): Ardal O’Hanlon,...

Contains spoilers for the Taskmaster series 11 finale

The suit. The ‘tache. The smile. The preternatural speed with which he’s able to snatch a marshmallow from an opponent using a pair of kitchen tongs. There’s a great deal to admire about Taskmaster series 11 contestant Mike Wozniak, so admire him we will. Right here. Starting now. Tick tock: it’s Wozniak o’clock.

Who is Mike Wozniak?

He’s an absolute bloody milk guzzler, that’s who.

Like Harry Hill, Graham Chapman, Graeme Garden and Paul Sinha before him, Mike Wozniak trained and worked as a doctor before becoming a stand-up. Healthcare’s loss was comedy’s gain. His 2013 Edinburgh Fringe show, in which Wozniak played an outmoded light entertainer, received a Best Comedy Show nomination.

On the subject of Edinburgh, series 11 isn’t Mike Wozniak’s first Taskmaster experience. Before he developed the format for television, Alex Horne performed...

All change! No sooner had Mike Wozniak charmed the nation by undermining a vole, and put us all off our tea with his downstairs casserole, than it was all over. The current cohort of Taskmaster contestants have finished their last task, and it’s time for a new set of contenders. Please give a warm welcome to series 12 contestants: Desiree Burch, Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Alan Davies, Guz Khan and Morgana Robinson.

Series 12 is set to air at an unconfirmed date later this year on Taskmaster’s still-relatively new home of Channel 4. It’s “Coming Soon” according to the post-finale teaser.

Also arriving in 2021 is the show’s second Champion of Champions special miniseries. That one is set to welcome back the overall winners from series six to ten: Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders, Kerry Godliman, Liza Tarbuck and Richard Herring. If Taskmaster keeps going until series 25 then presumably they’ll be...

10 short weeks ago, none of us had seen Richard Herring feed half a watermelon to a slathering Daisy May Cooper, and frankly, we were the worse off for it. Neither had we witnessed The It Crowd’s Katherine Parkinson philosophically asking “Am I the spider?”, known how rigorously Johnny Vegas would apply himself to the task of putting the heaviest thing through a Christmas tree-bagger, or enjoyed Mawaan Rizwan thinking that if he filled an egg with helium, it would float like a happy little bee. All these, the tiny joys of a new series of Taskmaster.

Now that series 10 is over, eyes to the horizon for series 11. The new contestant line-up has been announced, along with confirmation of a second Champion of Champions mini-series featuring the winners of 6-10. First up, here’s who’ll be competing for the Taskmaster’s approval in series 11:

Lee Mack

The comedy TV veteran,...

"Just don't get it anyone's way." Time for another chilling horror short film. This one is titled Surveyor, made by English filmmaker John Panton. It's a companion piece to Panton's other supernatural short film Line Signal. Surveyor is about a surveyor who is hired to inspect an abandoned mansion for a client who is looking to renovate it. As you can suspect, when he arrives and begins his work he discovers there's more to this mansion than expected. Spookiness ensues. The film stars Aidan Casey, Katie Villa, Alex Winters, Mike Wozniak, and Cromerty York. This is a good short set around one place with an eerie atmosphere. Thanks to GeekTyrant for the tip on this short. Original description from Vimeo: "A surveyor encounters more than expected in a dilapidated mansion..." Surveyor is a supernatural short film written and directed by John Panton - see more of his work on Vimeo,...

Prevenge is the brilliant and off-the-wall writing and directing debut feature by Alice Lowe (Sightseers). She wrote, starred in, and directed it whilst 7-8 months pregnant with her first child, who also appears in the film. Alice was one of the Bifa nominees for ‘best debut director’.

Known for her work as a UK television comedy actress, Alice Lowe made her move into film with her screenwriting debut Sightseers, directed by Ben Wheatley, in which she also starred as the hapless Tina. After premiering at Cannes, Sightseers went on to receive several accolades, Empire’s Best British Film, as well as acting and screenplay awards for Alice.

Official synopsis:

A pitch black, wryly British comedy, Prevenge follows Ruth, a pregnant woman on a killing spree that’s as funny as it is vicious. It’s her misanthropic unborn baby dictating Ruth’s actions, holding society responsible for the absence of a father.

After co-writing Ben Wheatley’s brilliantly twisted Sightseers, Alice Lowe is back with her directorial debut Prevenge, in which she also stars in and wrote. Entering territory perhaps even darker than Wheatley’s films, it follows her pregnant character as her unborn child causes her to kill strangers. After playing at Venice, Toronto, London, AFI, and more, it’ll get a U.K. release early next year and the new trailer has now arrived.

We said in our review, “Veering between dark comedy and somber drama is a flavor of the times in indie film, but Prevenge puts a new spin on this, tying those emotional shifts more directly to the mindset of its lead character than any other movie of its ilk has yet. That’s because the lead is heavily pregnant. Combine that with serial killing, and the stage is set for an agreeably bloody-minded oddball of a film.

Ghostlight Ensemble is bringing the demon hellbent on punishing bad children during the Christmas season to the stage. Written by Jaclyn Jensen and Mike Wozniak and directed by Maria Burnham, Krampus! opens on October 31st in Chicago. Also in today's Horror Highlights: instructions on how to build your own Lego Xenomorph from Brick Team Customs and details on the Nitehawk Shorts Festival Midnite Program.

Krampus! Stage Play Details: From Facebook: "Mrs. Murray is looking forward to one final Christmas together as a family before her eldest daughter takes off to New York City with her boyfriend. And what could be more perfect than spending the holiday with her bickering family in a remote cabin in the Wisconsin woods during a snowstorm with a Christmas demon on the loose? Nothing says Christmas like abject fear.

Join Ghostlight Ensemble as we present Jaclyn Jensen and Mike Wozniak’s new take on this...

Joanne Lumley is set to join the cast of David Walliams' new sketch show, which he is developing for the BBC.

The pilot for David Walliams and Friends is due to be filmed next Saturday, according to Radio Times.

Also appearing are Morgana Robinson from Vic and Bob's House of Fools and Mike Wozniak who played Greg Davies' neurotic friend Brian in Man Down.

Walliams has been working on the show with his Big School co-writers Steve and Andrew Dawson and Tim Inman.

There is no word yet on what sort of show he is developing and it is unclear if it will be in the same vein as Little Britain - the sketch show that made Walliams and Matt Lucas famous.

A pilot episode of David Walliams and Friends will be filmed at The London Studios next Saturday (September 19).

Production is also underway on a feature film of Absolutely Fabulous,...

Dan tackles so-called 'terrorists' staging a roadblock in a new clip from Man Down's series two finale.

The video sees Greg Davies's character come up against three "bellends with paper bags on their heads" - who can't quite work out which extremist group they represent.

Man Down concludes on Monday (July 6) at 10pm on Channel 4.

The Channel 4 comedy first aired on screens in 2013, before being renewed for a second series in the same year.

Roisin Conaty and Mike Wozniak also feature in the series alongside Davies, as well as Ashley McGuire and Gwyneth Powell.

Comedian Rik Mayall starred in the show as Dan's father before his death in 2014, with Davies later explaining he never considered recasting the role.

"Rik was the dream casting for me. He was a childhood hero of mine, and I look like him. And he was beloved, as you saw when he died,...

Dan gets creative to pass the time invigilating an exam in tonight's (June 15) Man Down.

The teacher, played by Greg Davies, adopts a flamboyant walk while his pupils try to focus on their test papers.

The Channel 4 comedy first aired on screens in 2013, before being renewed for a second series in the same year.

Roisin Conaty and Mike Wozniak also feature in the series alongside Davies, as well as Ashley McGuire and Gwyneth Powell.

Comedian Rik Mayall starred in the show as Dan's father before his death in 2014, with Davies saying he never considered recasting the role.

"Rik was the dream casting for me. He was a childhood hero of mine, and I look like him. And he was beloved, as you saw when he died," he said. "The adoration poured out for him. So never for a second did I think, 'That's Ok, we'll just get another dad in'.

Vicious: ITV, 9pm

Season two of Vicious kicks off as Violet (Frances de la Tour) hatches an elaborate plan to save her from embarrassment when her sister, Lilian (Celia Imrie), announces an impromptu visit.

Meanwhile, Ash (Iwan Rheon) gets a surprise when he introduces his new girlfriend to the gang.

Man Down: Channel 4, 10pm

A brand new series of Greg Davies's hilarious Man Down kicks off tonight and sees Dan (Davies) going on a disastrous date while Brian (Mike Wozniak) tries to find out more about his family's history.

Jo (Roisin Conaty) comes up with a rather interesting plan to tweak her CV and Aunt Nesta (Stephanie Cole) displays her special kind of tough love.

Game of Thrones: Sky Atlantic, 9pm

More action from Westeros as Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) faces a struggle after being thrown into jail.

Also tonight, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) continues...

Greg Davies's sitcom Man Down has been given a second series by Channel 4.

The sitcom about a "childish idiot trapped in an adult's life" will return in 2014.

"I'm so delighted that Channel 4 has given me and the team another series of Man Down," said Davies.

"Great news for us, terrible news for the characters."

Channel 4's deputy head of comedy Nerys Evans added: "Greg has demonstrated himself to be a brilliant writer and performer over the first series of Man Down.

"We can't wait to see what else he's planning to put himself through in the name of comedy for the second series."

Davies stars as Dan with support from his best friends Jo (Roisin Conaty) and Brian (Mike Wozniak), headmistress Miss Lipsey (Jeany Spark) and father (Rik Mayall).

A Christmas special will air before the end of 2013.

Armstrong and Miller comic lambasts 'inverse snobbery' while Ricky Gervais teaches guitar – and who's the hottest comedian?

This week's comedy news

We begin with the Telegraph's tale of Alexander Armstrong and the apparent victimisation of "posh" comics. "Why should your background be held against you?," asks the descendant of William the Conqueror, alumnus of a Durham public school and director of a production company called Toff Media. "It is so short-sighted … This tribal aversion to anyone with a posh voice is very boring." Armstrong – best known as one half of the sketch double-act Armstrong and Miller – even lodges the improbable complaint that his privileged upbringing has been detrimental to his career in British entertainment. In the piece, he blames inverse snobbery for the BBC initially spurning Armstrong and Miller after their big break on the Edinburgh fringe in the mid-1990s. And, he adds, "I'm not anticipating an offer to...