It didn’t seem possible, but Taskmaster is about to get even more juvenile. Channel 4 is adapting the show to a children’s format, driven by the rise in the Taskmaster viewing figures with younger audiences.

The success of School Tasking, the not-for-profit primary school outreach project which replicates Taskmaster games in schools, was also motivation to bring the show to children’s programming.

The original comedic game show, created by comedian Alex Horne, pits comedians against each other in a series of wacky tasks. These can vary from physical to logical to creative challenges, with judges scoring points on who best fulfils the brief. Junior Taskmaster will see contestants aged 9-11 bring their skills to a child-friendly version of the game.

Tom Beck, Head of Events for Channel 4, said: “Junior Taskmaster is set to be a hugely entertaining family-friendly treat with as much madcap nonsense as the main series and, who knows, it might unearth the comedy stars of tomorrow”.

The news comes as Taskmaster has been renewed for another six series by Channel 4, which will mean another three years of the award-winning show.

Hosts for the children’s version have not yet been revealed, but Greg Davies, the original Taskmaster, will not be fronting the show.

According to research carried out by the public service broadcaster, Taskmaster is among the top three programmes watched by younger viewers in the 9pm viewing slot. 9pm is prime viewing time and hotly contested by shows catering to this audience.

Jon Thoday, executive producer, added: “It’s been a joy working with the team at Channel 4 - we’re delighted to be continuing the relationship and excited to be working together on Junior Taskmaster”.