There were real laughs here, and let’s be clear, Joanne is a caustic queen, darts-king John’s seriousness about winning was extremely endearing rather than off-putting, Nick’s a total sweetie-pie, Sophie’s a glamorous walking comedy monologue, and Steve’s very, very good at everything (apart from doing a roly-poly without spilling a glass of water), but I’d be surprised if they’re all planning a group holiday now it’s over. LM
14. Series Nine
David Baddiel, Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, Katy Wix, Rose Matafeo
Older contestants on Taskmaster vary from the wonderfully bizarre and iconic (Bob Mortimer) to what could be very accurately described as the can’t-be-arsed. Jo Brand and David Baddiel largely, could not be arsed. Surrounded by peppy and competitive youngsters these comedy veterans had the air of people wondering when their next cup of tea and sit down was going to be. So much was his lack of enthusiasm and miscomprehension that Baddiel drove Ed Gamble to complete and utter rage and what was a fairly simple drawing task. This time around, the contrast in approach proved entertaining.
Although Jo Brand spent most of her time in the CBA club, she also had moments of sheer brilliance (scream-singing Jerusalem down the phone to Alex as an egg timer) and other series highlights were Ed Gamble’s meltdowns and Rose Matafeo’s outstanding rootin’ tootin’ Taskmaster theme. ED
13. Series Eighteen
There was a certain pressure on series 18 because in Jack Dee, it featured the comedian that Alex Horne has spent almost a decade pursuing like Elmer Fudd pursued Bugs Bunny. Would Dee disappoint? No he wouldn’t, though neither would he ever look particularly pleased to be there – all part of the brand. Thanks to Celebrity Gogglebox and Live at the Apollo, Babatunde Aléshé is already getting on for household-name status, with good reason because he was charming and funny, if not particularly motivated to push the envelope when it came to the tasks. It’s been a joy to have a proper introduction to beautiful weirdo Emma Sidi, who has a place in my heart, and a spot on my pub quiz team anytime she likes. Beautiful weirdo Andy Zaltzman can come too, for the cricket questions, but only if he wears the velvet cloak.
This lot were all fun, but mostly separately instead of together. Despite the gang not bonding on stage like the Guz-Morgana-Desiree trifecta of series 12 (it’s all about the on-stage bond. Fans live for the interaction), the combination of legendary grump Jack “Jackie” Dee with legendary ray of filthy sunshine Rosie Jones in team tasks is one for the ages. Jones ruled this contest with a wicked comedic glint in her eye, delighting in making Greg and Alex blush and, as Babatunde’s School of Self Esteem teaches, bigging herself up at every opportunity. A potty-mouthed delight. – LM