Taskmaster series 16 line-up: Who’s taking part in the Channel 4 show?

A new batch of comedians are gearing up to put their puzzle-cracking skills to the test as Taskmaster returns to Channel 4 for its 16th series.

While we may have been able to enjoy nice summer breaks, the job of a Taskmaster (and his loyal assistant) is far too important to allow for holidays.

Instead, Taskmaster’s big boss and official point-giver-outer, Greg Davies, has been busy overseeing Little Alex Horne’s meticulous task-setting abilities in preparation for all-new episodes that are due to air this autumn.

Packed with deceptively simple yet quickly infuriating challenges, Taskmaster has swiftly become one of the most popular game shows on telly and as it gears up for its 16th outing, it’s ready to push even more comics to their wit’s end - all for our viewing pleasure.

This much we know... but who’s taking part in the new series and when can you watch it? Here’s everything you need to know about Taskmaster series 16.

When does Taskmaster series 16 start?

We won’t have to wait long to see a new group of comedians squirm under the weight of Horne’s mighty task-setting talents.

Taskmaster’s 16th series debuts on Thursday, 26 September at 9pm on Channel 4, with episodes available to view right after they’ve aired on the network’s free streaming platform.

From there, a new episode will be released each week until the series 10 episodes have been unleashed and a new Taskmaster champion has been crowned.

Who’s taking part in Taskmaster series 16?

Part of the joy of watching Taskmaster is getting to know the funny faces vying for those precious points that only Davies can dish out - with no apparent rhyme or reason impacting who gets what.

With series 16, a new collection of comics enters the Taskmaster house with only one able to emerge victorious. Here’s who you can expect to see in the new series.

Julian Clary

Comedian and author Julian Clary joins Taskmaster following a comedy career that’s spanned more than 30 years and more than its fair share of controversies. With a razor-sharp wit and an eye for an innuendo, Clary may be the elder statesman of the group but he’s sure to become one of its most memorable players yet.

Lucy Beaumont

Actor, writer and stand-up comedian Lucy Beaumont joins Taskmaster’s latest series following appearances on Would I Lie To You, Have I Got News For You and The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off. She’s known for her wry observations and regional humour but will she soon be known as a Taskmaster champion?

Sam Campbell

Aussie comic Sam Campbell joins Taskmaster after years spent carving out a successful comedy career. In 2018, he emerged victorious from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and won the top award at the Edinburgh Fringe four years later in 2022. With two gongs under his belt already, he’s surely already got his eyes on that Taskmaster trophy.

Sue Perkins

Broadcaster, comedian and presenter Sue Perkins may be recognisable to most as the former co-host of The Great British Bake Off, the series she fronted with her comedy partner Mel Giedroyc during its original BBC run. Since then, she’s appeared on a wide range of shows - from Who Do You Think You Are to The Masked Singer - with Taskmaster being the latest addition to this list.

Susan Wokoma

A star of the big and small screen, actor, writer and comedian Susan Wokoma has starred in a wide array of hit TV shows and movies. On telly, you may have spotted her in series like Misfits, Chewing Gum and Toast of London. Meanwhile, her cinema roles include spots in The Inbetweeners 2, Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2.

Taskmaster series 16 starts on Thursday, 26 September on Channel 4.