Comedians Matt Lucas and Richard Ayoade are among the latest stars confirmed to compete in the upcoming 22nd series of the popular Channel 4 show Taskmaster.
The pair will be joined by Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, and Nina Conti.
Channel 4 said that the comics have “willingly submitted themselves to the toughest physical and mental examination on television”, adding that “only one can take home the glory”.
Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant ‘Little’ Alex Horne will “score and mark with the utmost scrutiny to determine who will emerge victorious”.
Lucas is widely recognised for his work with David Walliams on the BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain and Come Fly With Me.
His acting credits also include Doctor Who, Paddington, Wonka, and Gladiator II.
Ayoade famously portrayed the socially awkward IT technician Maurice Moss in Channel 4’s sitcom The IT Crowd from 2006 until 2013.
He came second in the first season of the hit comedy show Last One Laughing, losing to comedy legend Bob Mortimer.
Chloe Petts has previously supported Ed Gamble on tour and made notable appearances on House Of Games, Have I Got News For You, and Celebrity Mastermind.
Isy Suttie is known for her role as Dobby in Peep Show, while Nina Conti directed the comedy feature Sunlight.
The most recent season of Taskmaster featured a diverse line-up of talent, including Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett, and Kumail Nanjiani.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Taskmaster also aired a well-received New Year’s special featuring Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Sam Ryder and Suzie Dent.
The show challenges five celebrities, typically comedians, to complete a series of often-absurd tasks.
Their attempts are then scrutinised by Davies, who awards points based on performance, interpretation, or arbitrary comedic factors.
The winner receives a huge gold trophy modelled after Davies’ head.
The concept originated with Horne at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was later adapted for television by Dave, premiering in 2015. After its ninth series in 2019, the programme moved to Channel 4.
Its success has led to numerous international versions across countries including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where Horne reprised his role as the Taskmaster’s assistant.