Fans don't want 'Taskmaster' to be ruined as it moves to Channel 4
Viewers have begged Channel 4 not to “ruin” Taskmaster as it was announced it will be the new home of the entertainment show.
The programme – hosted by Greg Davies – has run for nine series on UKTV channel Dave but is moving to Channel 4 in a six-series deal starting from 2020.
Alex Horne, the show's creator and Davies's on-screen assistant, insisted the programme would stay the same.
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"It seems like the right time to move to a channel with a broader audience and I can reassure people who like the show that it won't be changing one bit and I'll still be forced to do things no one should ever have to do,” he said.
The Taskmaster himself Davies added: "For the first time in our working relationship I agree with little Alex Horne.
"The nine series on UKTV have been a joy and I would echo his thanks to all involved.
"I do take issue with the notion that the show will remain exactly the same however as I have made it my personal mission to break his spirit.
"I will remain even handed with contestants of course, but it really is going to get unpleasant for him. Peace."
Despite Horne’s words, fans of the programme said they would hate to see it altered in any way.
“WHAT!! #Taskmaster moving to Channel 4. PLEASE DON’T RUIN IT,” posted one person on Twitter.
WHAT!! #Taskmaster moving to Channel 4. PLEASE DON'T RUIN IT.
— Kyel Matin (@massiveboy90) November 22, 2019
“If it reaches a higher audience I guess it’s a good move,” said another. “But change nothing C4. It’s perfect as it is.”
Wow can't believe #Taskmaster is heading over to @Channel4
If it reaches a higher audience I guess it's a good move.
But change nothing C4. It's perfect as it is.
I'm already looking forward to champion of champions series 😜 pic.twitter.com/fcCfzFLcTX— Face (@adevolution79) November 22, 2019
Another fan tweeted: “Any change makes me nervous. Taskmaster is already perfect as it is. But as long as C4 keep their hands off (i.e CHANGE NOTHING, I MEAN NOTHING) then I’m excited. TM deserves a terrestrial audience.”
Any change makes me nervous. Taskmaster is already perfect as it is. But as long as C4 keep their hands off (i.e. CHANGE NOTHING, I MEAN NOTHING) then I'm excited. TM deserves a terrestrial audience. https://t.co/gc0ikvB0tG
— David Smith (@DVDSmith) November 22, 2019
Taskmaster first started as a live show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before being developed for television, initially with Channel 4.
The show, which sees comedians compete in a series of strange and surreal challenges, was later commissioned by UKTV for Dave.