Multi-award winning broadcaster UKTV has ordered a second and third series of hit show Taskmaster for its entertainment channel Dave, with BAFTA-nominated GREG DAVIES once again taking on the mantle of Taskmaster and show creator and 2014 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee ALEX HORNE returning as his assistant. The 10 x 60 min episode recommission follows the success of series one of the programme, which was 2015’s most watched commission on the broadcaster’s VOD service, UKTV Play.
As the Taskmaster, GREG DAVIES sets a series of stupefying tasks to a brand-new group of comedians with ALEX HORNE assisting as his right-hand-man coaxing the comedians to show their creativity, conniving and competitiveness. Once again, rivalry will be encouraged, dodgy tactics rewarded and pitiful attempts scoffed at in the most dogged, hard-fought and ridiculous comedy show on TV. Taskmaster started out as a critically acclaimed live show, also devised by ALEX HORNE, which ran at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010 and 2011. Series one saw ROISIN CONATY, TIM KEY, ROMESH RANGANATHAN, FRANK SKINNER and JOSH WIDDICOMBE compete for victory, with JOSH going to the extreme length of getting GREG’s name tattooed on his foot to secure his place as series victor.
HILARY ROSEN, Deputy Director of Commissioning, UKTV said,
Taskmaster has taken the panel show to the next level, it’s an outstanding new comedy format and delivers the perfect balance of silliness and intelligence. I’m delighted to continue our working relationship with Alex Horne and Avalon. We look forward to unveiling our new cast of comedians and a fresh line-up of outrageous tasks.
JON THODAY, Joint Managing Director of Avalon Television, said,
It’s great to be working with Dave again on such an innovative and funny programme.
ALEX HORNE, producer and creator of Taskmaster, and the Taskmaster’s assistant said,
This news is both exciting and appropriate; the Taskmaster still has many tasks he needs completing – almost all of which are either far-fetched or still unconcocted – and who better to attempt such challenges than a fresh bunch of ill-equipped and unhealthily competitive comedians.
STEVE NORTH, Dave General Manager, said,
We are thrilled to continue this hilarious show on Dave, Taskmaster sits perfectly alongside our other returning original shows like Dave Gorman Modern Life is Goodish and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled. I’m particularly excited to see what genius tasks the mind of Alex Horne has in store for the next two series.
An Avalon Television production, the new series of Taskmaster is commissioned by HILARY ROSEN, Deputy Director of Commissioning at UKTV and ordered by RICHARD WATSHAM, Director of Commissioning and Dave General Manager, STEVE NORTH. Executive Producers for the series are RICHARD ALLEN-TURNER, JAMES TAYLOR, JON THODAY and ANDY DEVONSHIRE (The Apprentice and The Great British Bake Off), who also acts as series director, and HILARY ROSEN for UKTV.
UKTV
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