Greg Davies

Prepare once again for your dad’s favourite comedian to become your favourite comedian. This time round, Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9) will step up to the plate, alongside Sophie Willan (Alma's Not Normal) and Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso). Joining them are John Robins (Live at the Apollo) and Joanne McNally (Republic of Telly).

For 16 series, Taskmaster Greg Davies has been setting five comedians absurd and surrealist tasks from the comfort of his big red throne, joined by his assistant ‘little’ Alex Horne.

Contestants must earn points by completing tasks such as “be photographed in the most unusual situation wearing this fez” or “conceal this pineapple”, and the one with the most points at the end of the series goes home with a trophy in the shape of Greg Davies’ head.

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.

Five new comedians will enter the Taskmaster house in an attempt to impress while doing the most ridiculous and crafty tasks on TV.

Created by Alex Horne, Horne often finds himself in the shadow of the overlord and Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. 

Series 13 contestants include stand-up, actor and author Ardal O’Hanlon, comedian Bridget Christie, stand-up comedian and TV host Chris Ramsey, comedian and presenter Judi Love and comedian, actress and podcaster Sophie Duker.

Manhunt II

Monday

ITV, 9.00pm

Martin Clunes returns as former Metropolitan Police Senior Investigating Officer Colin Sutton in the second series of the ITV drama, subtitled The Night Stalker.

The new series will have eight 45 minute episodes plus a one-off Christmas special produced by Talkback, the production company responsible for all previous series.

Sky has named comedian Greg Davies (Taskmaster) as the new host, a role held by the likes of Mark Lamarr, Simon Amstell and Rhod Gilbert over the years.

Noel Fielding (The Great British Bake Off) will return to the show as team captain opposite Daisy May Cooper (This Country), while Jamali Maddix (Hate Thy Neighbour) will feature as a regular guest.

The 12^th series of the chaotic comedy game show will see five more celebs face Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant “little” Alex Horne. 

This series will follow Alan Davies, Desiree Burch, Guz Khan, Morgana Robinson and Victoria Coren Mitchell as they attempt to master the absurd and unique tasks set for them. 

Davies is a stand-up, writer and actor best known for his role in crime drama Jonathan Creek and comedy quiz show QI. 

Fellow stand-up and writer Burch has appeared on Live At The Apollo and various UK panel shows.

Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown) and David Mitchell (Upstart Crow) will star alongside Stephanie Cole (Still Open All Hours) Donald Sumpter (Game of Thrones) and Shobu Kapoor (Four Weddings And A Funeral)  in the upcoming series for BBC One.

They will be joined by Ruth Madeley (Years and Years), Layton Williams (Everyone’s Talking About Jamie musical), Zita Sattar (Casualty), Georgie Glen (The Crown), Bill Skinner (Ted Lasso) and Esmonde Cole (Still So Awkward).  

Series 11 will once again see comedic minds put together all their skills and wit to master the absurd and wacky tasks presented to them, in the hope that they will be crowned Taskmaster champion. 

Greg Davies will preside from his throne determining the scores given to the comedians, joined by his sidekick and show creator Alex Horne.