Spoilers for Taskmaster series 21 ahead.
As Taskmaster comes to a flourishing end once again, another cohort of comedians is just around the corner.
The long-running Channel 4 competition series, which pits five comedians against each other to execute a series of absurd tasks set by little Alex Horne and judged by the titular tyrant, Greg Davies, is coming back.
Thursday night saw the heated finale for series 21, in which Kumail Nanjiani, Armando Iannucci, Amy Gledhill, Joel Dommett and Joanna Page vied for the all-important golden bust of Gregg.
In the end, it was Gavin and Stacey icon Joanna who rose victorious and will forever go down in Taskmaster history alongside previous victors, Mathew Baynton, Josh Widdicombe, Mae Martin and everyone in between.
The pressure was on for the TV star, for whom the pride of her entire family was resting on her shoulders, with all of them utterly obsessed with the series.
As she told Metro about choosing to go for it, she said: ‘I thought: “For God’s sake, [your family] will absolutely kill you if you do not do it. “This would be the one thing that they would be like: “Oh my God, you are the best mother in the world.”‘
Well, she can go back to her children with her head held high.
But as one winner conquers, another must follow.
So, for those waiting on tenterhooks to know who the next cohort of ribticklers will be – your wait is over.
Coming in first, we have Edinburgh Fringe favourite Chloe Petts, alongside comic and writer Isy Suttie, who some may recognise from Peep Show, and ventriloquist Nina Conti.
How have Taskmaster fans reacted to the new cast?
Before the official announcement tonight, there had been murmurings online that Matt and Richard would be part of the line-up after filming commenced on the new series with a live audience.
Their casting has faced backlash from fans, given both comedians’ history – here’s why.
Both of the new contestants have garnered controversy over the years.
Matt Lucas has faced a slew of criticism for his time on the 00s sketch show Little Britain alongside David Walliams, which has been blasted for its racist (including the use of blackface), classist, homophobic, misogynistic, and ableist sketches.
In 2020, Matt posted: ‘David and I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again, we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry.’
Meanwhile, Richard has faced fierce criticism from fans for his support of IT Crowd writer Graham Linehan, who is widely known for his controversial views on the transgender community.
Whether this will affect viewership and support for the new season remains to be seen.
Rounding off the quintet is Matt Lucas – a widely-known British comic who has starred in everything from Little Britain to Doctor Who – and Richard Ayoade, best known for The IT Crowd.
As Channel 4 teases: ‘Like so many before them, they all believe they can impress the Taskmaster, but only one can take home the glory.’
There is currently no release date for Taskmaster series 22. Taskmaster is available to stream Channel 4 now.
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