This contains spoilers if you’re waiting for the official announcement tonight
The buzz surrounding the upcoming series of Taskmaster has intensified with the leak of contestant names—among them a notable second US-based star. The official announcement is set to follow the airing of the second part of the New Year Treat on Channel 4 at 9 PM tonight.
While journalists were bound by confidentiality, the Daily Star has broken the embargo, bringing the eagerly anticipated lineup to the forefront ahead of schedule. For fans who prefer to wait for confirmed details, this is your cue to navigate away.
In the meantime, Alex Horne and Greg Davies will hit major U.S. cities including Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York, underscoring the show’s growing American appeal. Following Jason Mantzoukas’s appearance in the 19th series, part of a broader strategy to deepen the U.S. audience, both Horne and Davies have expressed interest in reviving an American version of the show after a 2018 iteration starring Reggie Watts only lasted one season.
The anticipated inclusion of an Oscar-nominated talent in the series 21 cast is likely to not only enhance the show’s profile but also build on last year’s impressive statistic of 176 million views for the Taskmaster YouTube channel from American viewers. While specific broadcast dates for the new series remain unconfirmed, the contestants slated to compete include:
Amy Gledhill
Amy Gledhill is the winner of the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award for her show Make Me Look Fit On The Poster. Gledhill has made appearances on popular comedy panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Roast Battle. Before embarking on her stand-up career, she trained in acting and performed extensively in musical theatre. Notably, she played Leslie in the BBC Two comedy series Alma’s Not Norma, created by Sophie Willan, who was a contestant in series 17 of Taskmaster. Gledhill also performs solo and as part of the comedy duo The Delightful Sausage with Chris Cantrill, and is set to appear in series two of Amazon’s Last One Laughing.
Armando Iannucci
Armando Iannucci, revered as the mastermind behind the political satire series The Thick of It and its American counterpart Veep, brings a wealth of experience to the show. His filmography includes titles like In The Loop and The Death of Stalin. Iannucci started his journey in radio comedy before transitioning to TV, contributing to shows like The Day Today, a cult classic. Awarded a CBE in 2017, he currently hosts the Radio 4 show and podcast Strong Message Here, and has expressed a genuine fondness for Taskmaster, stating that it “always makes me laugh.”
Joanna Page
Welsh actress Joanna Page, celebrated for her role as Stacey Shipman in the beloved series Gavin & Stacey, also boasts a film appearance in Love Actually and has a place in iconic shows like Doctor Who. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Page commenced her career in Welsh-language television, showcasing her versatility.
Joel Dommett
At 39, Joel Dommett has emerged as a prominent comedian and presenter, having hosted ITV’s The Masked Singer since 2020 and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Extra Camp. His career skyrocketed after finishing second in the 2016 reality show, raising his public profile significantly. Dommett has frequently voiced his enthusiasm to join Taskmaster, declaring to Digital Spy in 2019 that he genuinely loves the show and considers both Horne and Davies among his favorite people.
Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani, a Pakistani-American comedian, actor, and writer, garnered critical acclaim for co-writing and starring in The Big Sick, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. His role as Dinesh Chugtai in HBO’s Silicon Valley and his appearance as Kingo in Eternals enhance his resume. Starting his career in stand-up in Chicago, Nanjiani now hosts several podcasts, contributing to diverse conversations on comedy and culture.
A spokesperson shared that, “Each of these competitors will step forward with a healthy mix of respect, fear, and a keen desire to lay claim to Greg’s golden head.” As anticipation builds for the series 21 premiere, fans can expect a delightful blend of humor and creativity that has made Taskmaster a cult favorite in both the UK and the US.
Published: 3 Jan 2026
