Hit TV show The Assembly to return to ITV for a second series

Daily Record

17-07-2025

The Assembly was an instant hit with viewers after its first series and ITV has already decided to bring it back for more.
ITV has confirmed the return of The Assembly following the huge success of its debut run. The show, which turned the traditional celebrity interview format on its head, will return in 2026 with a longer run - including a special The Assembly: Unseen episode.
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The first season delivered moving and refreshingly honest conversations with high-profile guests including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker.
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The series features a panel of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or have learning disabilities, bringing a fresh, unfiltered perspective to celebrity interviews. Since premiering on ITV1 earlier this year, The Assembly quickly became a standout hit.
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True to its core values, the show embraces curiosity without restriction - no subject is off-limits and no question is too bold as the interviewers ask whatever's on their minds
The Assembly was a massive hit, with many viewers and critics alike praising the show. The Mirror described it as "a breath of fresh air," while Radio Times said it was "extraordinary."
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Meanwhile, The Independent called it "the most groundbreaking TV show of the year" and LBC's Nick Ferrari enthused: "If there is a better show made for terrestrial television this year, I'd be staggered. It is breathtaking."
The new series will feature six more celebrity guests, who are yet to be announced, as they take on The Assembly's honest and often surprising interview questions.
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The show, produced by Rockerdale Studios, was made in close collaboration with autistic and neurodivergent organisations to ensure it was inclusive and empowering throughout.
Speaking about the show, Director of Entertainment and Daytime Commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliff stated: "This really is ITV entertainment at its best: warm, funny, revealing and just that little bit mischievous.
She hinted: "We've got lots of ideas about which famous faces will join for series 2 and we're eager to see what we'll learn from the fantastic questions The Assembly will have."
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While Stu Richards, of Rockerdale Studios, said: "I cannot believe we're still getting away with this."
"The chance to make something that plays by almost none of the rules of normal telly is just such a ludicrous privilege. I'm absolutely buzzing to be honest," he concluded.
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In the last season, viewers saw Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker open up during the heartwarming interviews. David spoke about the grief of losing his parents, his support of trans people and learnt how to Vogue like Madonna.
Jade discussed being the subject of pregnancy speculation in the media, as at the time her former Little Mix band member, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock announced their pregnancies.
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While Danny Dyer openly discussed his previous financial difficulties, his opinions on David Cameron - telling the interviewers "he was our leader and he f***ed off and left us" - and even led a meditation session with the rest of the group.
Additionally Gary was questioned about his feelings when his eldest son George was diagnosed with cancer as a child. As well as lightheartedly discussing his favourite type of Walkers crisps.
The Assembly will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in 2026.