Ten years after it debuted in 2015, Taskmaster is back for a landmark 20th season on Channel 4.
Hosted by Greg Davies and Alex Horne, the long-running game show pits five celebrities against one another in a series of challenges where they’re awarded points based on various factors. At the end of each season, a winner is crowned Taskmaster champion.
Along with the main series, the show has spawned various spin-offs, including Junior Taskmaster, New Year specials and Champion Of Champions.
Taskmaster was renewed until season 21 as part of a six series deal in March 2023. The next season is set to air in early 2026, after season 20 concludes on November 13, 2025.
Who are the contestants in Taskmaster season 20?
Ania Magliano
A British comedian and writer who has appeared on several TV shows, including The Stand Up Sketch Show and The Comedy Guide To Life. She has also co-hosted podcasts like The Weekly Shop and If It Is To Be Said.
Magliano has staged several shows at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2022, including I Can’t Believe You’ve Done This, which was nominated for Best Show at the festival in 2023.
Phil Ellis
Originally from Preston, this comedian has been a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2013. His TV appearances include The Russell Howard Hour, Drunk History UK, Roast Battle, and Redknapp’s Big Night Out.
Ellis wrote and starred in three series of his own BBC Radio 4 sitcom titled Phil Ellis Is Trying, alongside Johnny Vegas.
Reece Shearsmith
An actor, comedian and writer who had his breakthrough as part of The League Of Gentlemen. Since then, he’s co-created TV shows like Psychoville and Inside No. 9 with his frequent collaborator Steve Pemberton.
Beyond comedy, Shearsmith has had dramatic roles in Ben Wheatley’s A Field In England and ITV’s The Widower. Most recently, he voiced Norbot in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Maisie Adam
A stand-up comedian and writer who has appeared on shows like The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, Celebrity Mastermind, Mock The Week, The Last Leg and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
As a football fan, Adam has participated in Soccer Aid for the past three years, and co-hosts the women’s football podcast Big Kick Energy.
Sanjeev Bhaskar
An actor, comedian and television presenter who shot to fame on the comedy series Goodness Gracious Me. This was followed by a lead role in 2001 series The Kumars at No. 42, which ran for seven seasons in total.
Since then, he’s made appearances across various films and TV shows, including 2017’s Paddington 2, The Sandman, Good Omens and Midsomer Murders.
