Live: Tsunami advisory in place until at least 3pm
Wells reveals the five new cast members competing for this year's trophy, and shares his honest impressions of each of them.
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1News
4 days ago
- 1News
What does host Jeremy Wells really think of the new Taskmaster NZ cast?
With the sixth series of Taskmaster NZ launching in August, host Jeremy Wells reveals the five new cast members competing for this year's trophy, and shares his honest impressions of each of them. You can learn a lot about a human being by observing their behaviour on the set of Taskmaster NZ. Jeremy Wells should know – he's hosted all six series of the show – each one boasting a fresh lineup of fiercely competitive and complex individuals. Jeremy Wells with the latest cast of Taskmaster NZ. (Source: TVNZ) 'You expose yourself in quite a unique way on Taskmaster,' he says. 'The comedians walk into the studio recording completely blind. They don't know what the live tasks will be and they haven't seen the edits of the previously filmed tasks. It can be quite revealing watching people watch themselves.' ADVERTISEMENT And so, having recently filmed ten new episodes, Wells took a quiet moment in the TVNZ office to reflect on his impressions of this year's contestants. First up: Pax Assadi. What did he make of the seasoned standup comedian? Pax Assadi (Source: TVNZ) 'I was expecting Pax to dominate the physical tasks,' admits Wells. 'He's a former age-group representative in basketball. He backs himself as a golfer. And, whilst not being the smartest tool in the shed, he certainly carried an expectation that he was going to bring a lot to the physical tasks. But could he live up to his own expectation?' Wells refrains from answering his own question. 'You'll have to watch.' Assadi isn't the only contestant bringing huge physical prowess to Taskmaster NZ. Wells reveals that Bree Tomasel, best known for hosting Celebrity Treasure Island, also represented her age group – in softball. That was in Queensland Australia, where the popular presenter was born into a nimble, coordinated family. "Her parents 'Mama Di' and 'Big Steve' were the South Queensland Disco Dancing Champions," says Wells. 'In 1981, right at the tail-end of the disco era. And they still have a routine that they break out at weddings and things.' Bree Tomasel (Source: TVNZ) ADVERTISEMENT Wells knows this because Mama Di and Big Steve were in Auckland during the filming of Taskmaster NZ. They became regulars on the set, hanging out in the green room and joining the cast for after-work drinks. 'I believe Mama was sucking back the savs and Big Steve was a lager man,' says Jeremy. 'I was very taken by Big Steve. I think he may have done a bit of modelling in his time. He's like a male version of Bree.' But what about Bree herself? Wells thinks it over and comes up with two powerful adjectives. 'Pragmatic,' he says. 'Yielding.' Next contestant: Jackie van Beek – a well-known face of both the big and small screens. But what's she really like? Jackie van Beek (Source: TVNZ) 'Quietly competitive,' says Wells. 'Methodical. She had a really interesting relationship that developed over time with (fellow contestant) Jack Ansett. She was very much a mother figure to him, took him under her wing, was always keen to point out some life lessons to Jack. 'Jack's young,' concedes Wells. 'A little bit green. He needed to learn some lessons.' About what? ADVERTISEMENT 'He's very talented but quite prone to engaging his mouth passionately before actually thinking things through, and Jackie would be there to tap him on the hand and say, 'be careful there sonny'.'" Jack Ansett (Source: TVNZ) But it wasn't all bad with Ansett, continues Wells. 'Jack took to his role with the most vigour, the vigour of a post-pubescent boy. I mean he's only just gone through puberty – four or five years ago – he's had a huge surge of testosterone, and he's had to cope with that. It can't be easy to be Jack Ansett.' (A quick Google search suggests Ansett is 27 – hopefully his testosterone will be under control any day now.) And the fifth contestant, comedian, TV writer and actor Alice Snedden? 'What a lot of people don't know about Alice,' says Wells, "is that she's a former lawyer. Very considered. I would describe her as a wordsmith.' Alice Snedden (Source: TVNZ) Also, Snedden comes from a famous New Zealand cricketing family, shares Wells. 'Martin Snedden is her uncle. There was Colin. And she did apply a lot of that deep knowledge of cricket theory in how she went about her tasks.' ADVERTISEMENT So that's all the contestants. But of course there's one more crucial member of the cast yet to be analysed. Wells' assistant Paul Williams. 'What's there to say about Paul that everyone doesn't already know?' asks Wells of the comedian and musician. 'He's an open book. He has milk shakes for breakfast, drinks soft drinks whenever he can, eats like seven-year-old child. He lives and breathes tasks. Loves administering tasks.' And finally, a moment of introspection. What has Wells learned about himself in the filming of this latest season? The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including tsunami threat remains for NZ and quake sparks Russian volcanic eruption, plus the pop star and the politician spotted having dinner. (Source: 1News) 'I enjoy watching people do tasks," divulges Wells. "I love watching people humiliate themselves as much as the next man. I love watching people under duress, and it always surprises me how different brains apply themselves to the same task. 'But the difficult thing about this role is you have to judge people. And I'm not a particularly judgemental person.' Taskmaster NZ premieres on Monday 18 August, 7.30pm on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ and screens on Mondays and Tuesdays.
1News
4 days ago
- 1News
Live: Tsunami advisory in place until at least 3pm
What does host Jeremy Wells really think of the new Taskmaster NZ cast? Wells reveals the five new cast members competing for this year's trophy, and shares his honest impressions of each of them.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Chaos, Comedy And Competition: Meet The Cast Of Taskmaster NZ Season 6
Bree Tomasel – Pax Assadi – Jackie van Beek – Jack Ansett – Alice Snedden: Five fresh faces are stepping up to the plate – or, more accurately, into the chaos – as Taskmaster NZ returns for its sixth season this August on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+. This year's fearless cast includes ZM Drive Host Bree Tomasel, bringing her signature wit and wild energy to the mix; acclaimed comedian, actor and writer Pax Assadi; the sharply funny Jackie van Beek; rising comedy force Jack Ansett; and the razor-sharp writer, comedian and TV powerhouse Alice Snedden. Across 10 brand-new episodes, this eclectic crew will surrender their dignity and sanity to the mighty Taskmaster, Jeremy Wells, and his ever-loyal assistant Paul Williams – all in the name of victory, glory, and points that may or may not make sense. Expect the unexpected, as tasks range from the seemingly simple to the absurdly complex – whether improving the National Anthem, breaking up with an egg on a rollercoaster, or finding a cake and eating it too. Points will be won, pride will be lost, and hilarity is guaranteed. But who will take home the coveted Taskmaster trophy? Taskmaster NZ will premiere on Monday 18 August, 7.30pm on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ and continue on Tuesday for a double dose of chaos each week. Notes: TVNZ+ is the home of Taskmaster with Taskmaster NZ, Taskmaster, Taskmaster Australia, Junior Taskmaster, Taskmaster: Champion of Champions, Taskmasterclass, and New Year Treat, all available to stream. Taskmaster NZ is co-produced by Kevin & Co and Avalon with support from NZ On Air. BAFTA and Rose d'Or winning and International Emmy nominated format, hosted by critically-acclaimed comic Greg Davies as The Taskmaster, was created by British comedian Alex Horne, who also stars as the Taskmaster's Assistant, and originally produced by Avalon (Breeders, Starstruck, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, Everything's Gonna Be Okay, Catastrophe).
