Taskmaster enthusiasts have been treated to a treasure trove of bizarre and hilarious antics over two decades and 20 seasons, yet the beloved show continues to promise fresh surprises. As the series gears up for its 21st instalment, fans are eagerly anticipating another round of absurd challenges and comedic chaos.
A Stellar Line-Up for Season 21
Little Alex Horne, the ingenious task-maker and sidekick to host Greg Davies, is set to orchestrate more silly shenanigans with a star-studded cast. The upcoming season features a diverse array of comedic talents, including Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci from The Thick of It, Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey fame, presenter Joel Dommett, and Hollywood sensation Kumail Nanjiani. This eclectic mix promises to deliver ten weeks of laughter and unexpected twists.
Kumail Nanjiani's Unprecedented Scene
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Alex Horne dropped a tantalising hint about a 'never-before-seen' moment centred on Kumail Nanjiani. Horne explained, 'I don’t want to give much away, but he gives a lot away about what he does by himself in his hotel room. So that’s what you’ve got to tune in for.' He added that Nanjiani surprised even himself with the revelation, describing it as a 'big moment' in Taskmaster history.
This development follows a growing trend of US-based comedians testing their mettle on the UK's quirky reality series, with season 20 contestant Jason Mantzoukas paving the way. Nanjiani himself expressed his excitement when the line-up was announced, writing, 'I got to be on my favourite show with my favourite people! They are all hilarious and absolute sweethearts. This has been the hardest secret to keep.'
The Quirky Appeal of Taskmaster
Nanjiani's enthusiasm for the show highlights its unique charm, even as his agent and lawyer were baffled by his decision to participate. On the Good One podcast, he recounted, 'Agents and managers here do not know what Taskmaster is. My lawyer was like: ‘So why are you doing this?’ He called me three times to be like: ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ because, you know, TV there doesn’t pay like TV here.' Acknowledging he might 'lose money' from the venture, Nanjiani emphasised the joy of the experience, saying, 'It was great. It was so fun and I really loved our group, like, truly, genuinely, we all fell in love. It was joyful.'
Memorable Moments in Taskmaster History
Taskmaster has built a legacy of unforgettable scenes, from Matthew Baynton licking yoghurt off Alex Horne's shoe to Jessica Knappett's dramatic stage fall and Joe Wilkinson's legendary potato hole-in-one. Kumail Nanjiani's hotel room confessions could well join this esteemed list, adding to the show's rich tapestry of comedic gold.
While a release date for season 21 has yet to be announced, fans can revisit the madness of seasons one to 20, currently available for streaming on Channel 4. As anticipation builds, this latest tease ensures that Taskmaster remains a must-watch for comedy aficionados across the UK and beyond.
