Reece Shearsmith is the clear favorite to win the upcoming Last One Laughing Halloween special on Prime Video, according to a prediction by Deputy TV editor Tom Percival. The special, hosted by Jimmy Carr, will feature seven comedians—Jack Dee, Daisy May Cooper, Phil Wang, Lou Sanders, Reece Shearsmith, Harriet Dyer, and Tom Allen—who must keep a straight face while facing spooky surprises and a ban on screaming. The show launches globally on October 23 with the first three episodes, and the final episode airs October 30.
Why Reece Shearsmith Has the Edge
Percival argues that Shearsmith's unique skill set makes him the likely winner, following in the footsteps of previous champions Bob Mortimer and David Mitchell. He points to Shearsmith's ability to remain composed under pressure, as demonstrated on Taskmaster, where he treated chaotic situations as mundane as brewing tea. His talent for turning amusement into exasperated frustration is cited as a key advantage, a tactic that served David Mitchell well in his winning season.
Additionally, Shearsmith's well-known affinity for horror and macabre humor means the Halloween-themed scares are unlikely to rattle him. Percival notes that Shearsmith and his collaborator Steve Pemberton often engage in mock murders for their work, suggesting that Jimmy Carr's tricks will pale in comparison.
Competition Analysis
Percival dismisses several contenders: Lou Sanders and Daisy May Cooper are ruled out due to previous failures on the show, while Phil Wang is considered too polite to be cutthroat. Tom Allen and Jack Dee, despite their seemingly unflappable personas, are predicted to crack under relentless jokes from the cast. Harriet Dyer, however, is highlighted as a wildcard by senior TV reporter Asyia Iftikhar, who praises her deadpan humor and ability to remain unfazed, citing her viral clip on 8 Out of 10 Cats as proof of her comedic skill.
Dyer's credentials are further bolstered by her win of the Sean Lock Comedy Award, though Percival admits limited knowledge of her work. Despite this, he maintains his prediction, acknowledging the possibility of being wrong.
Release Details and Impact
The Last One Laughing: Halloween special will be available on Prime Video starting October 23, with the first three episodes released together. The final episode will follow on October 30, concluding the competition. The show's unique twist—banning screaming in addition to laughter—adds a new layer of challenge for the contestants, promising an entertaining viewing experience for audiences.
