Taskmaster series 18 line-up in full

A new batch of comics put their task-cracking skills to the test

Andy Zaltzman, Babátúndé Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones on Taskmaster series 18
Meet the comedy stars taking part in Taskmaster series 18. (Channel 4)

Its latest series may have only just ended in May but the Taskmaster waits for no one. He has already instructed his loyal assistant, ‘Little’ Alex Horne, to gather some more comics to tangle with his tasks.

News that Taskmaster series 18 was heading our way was announced by Channel 4 shortly after series 17 had crowned its big winner. That outing saw Nick Mohammed, Steve Pemberton, John Robbins, Joanne McNally and Sophie Willan enter the Taskmaster house and try their best to lure points out of the show’s head honcho, Greg Davies.

We won’t get into winner-themed spoilers here. Instead, we’ll shift our focus onto the new challengers, each of whom will be vying for some all-important points in Taskmaster series 18.

Here’s what you need to know.

Greg Davies and Alex Horne on Taskmaster season 18
Greg Davies and Alex Horne are back with even more tasks. (Channel 4)

Taskmaster series 18 will start on Thursday, 12 September at 9pm on Channel 4. Viewers who miss episodes live will be able to catch up on the channel’s free streaming service.

The first trailer for Taskmaster series 18 landed directly after the last series ended. In it, we caught a quick glimpse at the show’s new contestants undertaking a variety of tasks.

Watch it below:

A new series of Taskmaster means new comedians. Below you’ll find details of each contestant set to take part in the show’s next series.

Andy Zaltzman on Taskmaster series 18
Comedian Andy Zaltzman joins Taskmaster series 18. (Channel 4)

Andy Zaltzman is a comedian and the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. His extensive career on stage has been punctuated with work with fellow British-comic-turned-American TV host John Oliver on projects like The Department, Political Animal and The Bulge.

Babátúndé Aléshé on Taskmaster series 18
Babatunde Aléshé went into the I’m a Celebrity jungle in 2022. (Channel 4)

Babatunde Aléshé is a British comedian and actor who many may recognise from his appearances on Doctor Who and another of Channel 4’s hit shows, Celebrity Gogglebox. In addition to appearing on programmes like The Weakest Link and Richard Osman’s House of Games, he’s also taken part in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Jack Dee on Taskmaster series 18
Lead Balloon star Jack Dee will go up against the Taskmaster. (Channel 4)

Jack Dee is a comedian and actor famous for his comically morose humour and deadpan delivery. Over the years, Dee has cultivated an impressive stand-up career, guested on countless shows like Have I Got News For You and Shooting Stars and even found success with his own show Lead Balloon.

Rosie Jones on Taskmaster series 18
Stand-up star Rosie Jones has appeared on QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats. (Channel 4)

British comedian, actress and writer Rosie Jones joins Taskmaster after carving out a stand-up career that’s seen her play to sell-out crowds while also appearing on some of the biggest TV shows going like QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats. What's more, a writer, she’s penned episodes of the hit show Sex Education.

Emma Sidi on Taskmaster series 18
Emma Sidi played Eleanor Higham in BBC sitcom Ghosts. (Channel 4)

Emma Sidi is a stand-up comedian and actor who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and written for television, stage and radio. Viewers may recognise Sidi from her guest appearances in shows like Ghosts and Starstruck.


Taskmaster series 18 will start on Thursday 12 September at 9pm on Channel 4.