As the latest fiercely contested 20th series of Taskmaster comes to a close, with Maisie Adam crowned champion and securing a spot in the upcoming fourth Champion of Champions, Channel 4 has unveiled the star-studded cast for Taskmaster’s New Year Treat. This festive special returns over the holiday season with a two-episode double bill for the first time.
Contestants Taking on the Tasks
The New Year Treat features a diverse group of five celebrated personalities from different corners of entertainment and sport, all vying for the coveted Golden Eyebrows trophy awarded by the mighty Greg Davies, who judges their efforts. Meanwhile, Little Alex Horne will continue his meticulous taskkeeping duties.
The contestants are:
- Big Zuu: BAFTA-winning TV chef, musician, and star of Big Zuu’s Big Eats (UKTV)
- Jill Scott MBE: Former professional footballer with a decorated sports career
- Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE: Actress, presenter, and children’s book author, known for Code of Silence (ITV1)
- Sam Ryder: BRIT-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician who gained fame as a Eurovision favorite
- Susie Dent: Renowned lexicographer, etymologist, and presenter on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4)
Among these five distinct personalities, only one will emerge victorious in a festive battle of wits and creativity.
Champion of Champions IV
Meanwhile, Maisie Adam, the winner of series 20, will face off against four other previous series champions – Andy Zaltzman, John Robins, Mathew Baynton, and Sam Campbell—in Champion of Champions IV. This special event brings together the top task titans from series 16 to 20 for an ultimate showdown to win Greg Davies’s unique golden-body trophy. Transmission details for both Taskmaster’s New Year Treat and Champion of Champions IV will be announced soon.
What to Expect
The New Year Treat is known for featuring celebrities who aren’t primarily comedians, which often leads to hilarious and unexpected task attempts. Spanning two episodes this year, the festive special promises even more chaos, cleverness, and laughs as the guests take on unusual and imaginative challenges designed by Greg Davies and Alex Horne.
Fans looking forward to a lighthearted start to the new year can expect Taskmaster’s trademark mix of fun, ingenuity, and competitive spirit wrapped in charity and festive cheer.
The special is set to air on Channel 4 during the 2025/2026 festive season. Stay tuned to official Channel 4 announcements for exact broadcast dates and times.
