Taskmaster

Contestants for series 18 of Taskmaster announced

Photos of Andy Zaltzman, Babatunde Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones in gold frames, against a black backdrop

The comedy gameshow is fronted, as ever, by the indomitable Greg Davies (Never Mind the Buzzcocks) and the… domitable Alex Horne (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown).

Joining the duo will be comedians Rosie Jones (Live at the Apollo), Jack Dee (Lead Balloon) and Babatunde Aléshé (Celebrity Gogglebox). Andy Zaltzman (Celebrity Mastermind) and Emma Sidi (A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou) will also appear in the new series.

“I sit in a hot tub and let the bubbles inspire me”: Alex Horne and Greg Davies on 17 series of Taskmaster

Greg Davies sits next to Alex Horne

But when the duo Zoomed in from a press day in New York — testament to its trans-Atlantic, if not global appeal — there were no signs of a mutiny. The long-suffering sidekick still knew his place.

Read on to hear the true source of Horne’s boundless inspiration for task devising, and a disgruntled Davies ruing his breakfast order.

You’re 17 series in, how has your relationship evolved over the series?

Greg Davies and Alex Horne: Hmm…

Contestants confirmed for series 17 of Taskmaster in new trailer

Alex Horne and Greg Davies sit with the contestants of the new series of Taskmaster

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).

UKTV's Steve North on Red Dwarf, Taskmaster and what it takes to be a Chief Programming Officer

In his 20-plus years at the broadcaster, he has led the rebrand of UKTV’s comedy channel to Dave, brought the huge hit Taskmaster to our screens and revived a childhood favourite, Red Dwarf. He also manages the combined BBC Studios and UKTV global compliance team.

What does the job involve?

Setting the editorial direction of the business so we can create distinctive, original, creative, enjoyable channels at UKTV that viewers want to watch.

Do you use gut instinct or data?

Channel 4 sets date for new series of Taskmaster with Lucy Beaumont and Sue Perkins

Sat before the tyrant, Davies, and his long-suffering assistant Horne, will be Julian Clary (Friday Night Live), actor, writer and stand-up Lucy Beaumont (Meet the Richardsons), multi-award-winning stand-up Sam Campbell, comedian and former Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins, and actor, writer and director Susan Wokoma (Cheaters).