PICK OF THE WEEK
DANIELLE DE WOLFE chats with comedians Alex Horne and Greg Davies about what to expect
Thursday, Channel 4, 9pm
BRITISH comedy show Taskmaster is proof that laughter really can be just the tonic. Despite filming for the forthcoming 10th series being temporarily halted due to Covid-19 restrictions, the essence of the Bafta-winning series lived on during lockdown courtesy of internet spin-off Hometasking.
The adaptation saw Taskmaster creator and co-host Alex Horne mirror the recorded concept, dreaming up ludicrous tasks for the public – rather than celebrities – to complete from the confines of their homes.
“I think it’s one of the few shows you can do in lockdown fairly easily,” says Alex, 42.
“We’re quite a lucky show in that people come to it and do it in isolation anyway,” he says, referring to the individual nature of Taskmaster’s creative showdowns.
“It was no more stressful than usual – except for the whole Covid nonsense I suppose.”
Now, following the move from Dave to Channel 4 as part of a landmark six-series deal and with the new series finally complete, Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant Little Alex Horne (as he’s affectionately known) are ready to entertain audiences once again.
“We’d all been cooped up, so I do think there’s a renewed energy there,” says comedian and Taskmaster host Greg, 52.
“I was just thrilled to be out and doing something... before Covid, I ensured Alex was never closer than five metres to me anyway. So if anything, Covid is more intimate than I would choose. The pesky virus has drawn me closer to him.”
With lockdown acting as a period of reflection for the duo, it appears Alex has made some startling realisations.
“I don’t think it really hits me until late at night, what bad things he’s made me do,” he confesses wide-eyed.
“In a TV studio you feel so safe about saying all these things and you forget there will be potentially millions of people watching this torment.
“But I don’t think you