Taskmaster 2025 winner reveals what you didn't see in 'best season ever'
The Ghosts actor, 44, won the top spot and a bust of host Greg Davies' head as his reward after undergoing ten weeks of gruelling (and baffling) tasks against his co-stars and fellow comedians.
Following behind Mathew's winning 169 points was comedian Stevie Martin with 154 points (who separately won the final episode).
In third place was US star Jason Mantzoukas with 150 points, then Rosie Ramsey with 149 points and, coming in last, we had Greg's almost-wife Fatiha El-Ghorri with a respectable 141 points.
'I'm just really happy. I was having so much fun…' Mat told Metro about his victory ahead of the final episode. He joins an exclusive group of past Taskmaster winners including Ed Gamble, Katherine Ryan, Dara Ó Briain and Mae Martin.
The Horrible Histories actor wowed audiences, sidekick little Alex Horne, his fellow competitors and, most importantly of all, the titular maestro himself, Greg, to secure the victory on the Channel 4 reality series.
The actor has gone viral among the Taskmaster fandom (and beyond) more than once this season for his iconic behaviour – including one task where he and Alex transform from caterpillars into butterflies.
Responding to the fan reaction, he said: 'It is lovely and with that one in particular (as with so many of them) I have to big up the team because they're such amazing artists that they take these videos you have and just do such a brilliant job.
'[There's] no time, really, to prepare… I was like, 'oh, let's turn into butterflies'' and 'ten minutes later you're in these costumes filming them, and Chrissy, the makeup artist, made us look so funny.
'The brilliance of it is 10% the contestant and 90% the Taskmaster team, who are just a bunch of geniuses.'
He added that 'if people knew how it was made, they'd be so much more in awe of that team just making it incredible.'
Whether coming up with perfectly executed task prizes (like his fakeout with the biggest anticlimax) or proving his utmost commitment to the tasks no matter how absurd, the Yonderland star brought the skills needed to climb the ranks.
For him, however, the most 'humiliating' moments were when had 'messed up' on a task without even realising.
'There was a task where I thought I had done triumphantly well, but I had inexplicably moved a wheelie bin, disqualifying myself in the process or when I shouted 'everybody' to lead along a sing along of a song that I wrote that took me one word over the word limit,' he explained.
The Horrible Histories icon ended the final episode to raucous cheers from the live audience before going in for a passionate snog with his newly-acquired trophy.
During the finale, the contestants had to bring in 'the thing most likely to make you do a double-take'; fill a box with yellow sand (with multiple catches of course); strike and hold a pose for 10 whole minutes and set up an unconventional drive-through service.
Oh, and shoving a dangling carrot into a bucket without the use of your hands. So, business as usual.
His victory comes at the end of a season that has been widely praised by viewers as the best season in a long time, if not ever – something he is thrilled about.
'Taskmaster season 19 is hands down the best season ngl I really don't want it to end,' spaceyeurotrash wrote on X.
'This series has been one of the best in ages,' jessatkinson92 echoed.
'Love this cast dearly, my favourite series,' ellasrhapsody declared.
'S19 has just been such a joy. Every new ep is the greatest episode so far, and the chemistry between the cast is just so excellent. I don't want this series to end,' sulcusandjirehs added.
'Season 19 Taskmaster is a stone cold classic already,' tarteaucitron2x echoed.
'Difficult to believe that this series of Taskmaster is almost over, arguably one of the best of the past three years,' bromley001 reflected.
'I love them so much pls can we have another 10 episodes I'm not ready for it to be over,' fern praised.
'That's just really gratifying,' Mat said about the widespread praise.
'You can never control how people perceive or receive anything. I prepared to have as much fun as I could, and then try and cover my ears and my eyes and just ignore whatever response there might be to it.
'So it's a huge relief when you dare to take a peek and find that people are saying nice things.'
He added that he had initially felt 'slightly worried about feeling self-conscious' but was 'delighted [he] was able to get over it and enjoy it.' More Trending
Although he joked: 'I still think my career going forward, as long as I haven't destroyed the possibility of people taking me seriously as an actor, will be in fiction characters.'
There will be a 20th season landing on Channel 4 sometime later this year and the line-up has officially been confirmed.
Breakthrough comic Ania Magliano, presenter Maisie Adam, Phil Ellis, Inside No, 9 star Reece Shearsmith and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar will join Greg and Alex for the new season.
Taskmaster is available to stream on Channel 4.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
View More »
MORE: I thought Taskmaster's best days were behind it – I was completely wrong
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
20 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Breakfast legend returns to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting sofa
A BREAKFAST legend has returned to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting the sofa. The presenter previously fronted the corporation's flagship morning show for nine years. 4 Louise Minchin returned to BBC daytime Credit: BBC 4 She appeared on Morning Live with Gaby Roslin and Rav Wilding Credit: BBC Louise Minchin, 56, became a regular anchor on BBC Breakfast in 2012 when she hosted the programme for three days a week. Initially she sat on the red sofa alongside the likes of Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt, 63. This was before she established a regular partnership with Dan Walker, 48, who now presents the news on 5. In June 2021, she announced she was leaving the show after 20 years on air before making her final departure in September. Now the star returned to daytime broadcasting on BBC One as she made an appearance on Morning Live. Gaby Roslin, 60, and Rav Wilding, 47, introduced the star as a 'consumer expert'. She appeared on the main rival to ITV's This Morning to give her take on the drop in car insurance costs. This comes after bosses at the publicly funded corporation chose Louise to replace Angela Rippon on Rip Off Britain. The TV personality was sat on the kitchen island alongside the likes of Dr Kiran Morjaria and gardener Mark Lane. Gaby took to her Instagram grid page as she revelled in the company of the broadcast veteran. BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt forced to pull live broadcast after 'dead dog' shown on-screen She could be seen pushing Louise who swung on one of the show's plush swivel chairs in the brightly lit studio. She captioned the video: "Good morning everyone. Pre show shenanigans here @bbcmorninglive with @louiseminchin and we are so ready to spin around on this Friday morning." Before she took to the airwaves, Naga Munchetty and Charlie fronted the Friday edition of BBC Breakfast amid growing tensions. It has previously been revealed the show's editor Richard Frediani, has taken an extended period of leave amid claims of bullying. Who are the current presenters of BBC Breakfast? The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 40 years on air but the current stars are: Jon Kay - Since 2022 Sally Nugent - Since 2021 Charlie Stayt - Since 2006 Naga Munchetty - Since 2014 Carol Kirkwood - Since 1997 Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. She was also alleged to have used a slang term for a sexual act off-air in separate damning claims. A BBC spokesperson previously said: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. "We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. 4 The presenter was introduced as a 'consumer expert' as she now fronts Rip Off Britain Credit: BBC
The Sun
21 minutes ago
- The Sun
Breakfast legend returns to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting sofa
A BREAKFAST legend has returned to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting the sofa. The presenter previously fronted the corporation's flagship morning show for nine years. 4 4 Louise Minchin, 56, became a regular anchor on BBC Breakfast in 2012 when she hosted the programme for three days a week. Initially she sat on the red sofa alongside the likes of Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt, 63. This was before she established a regular partnership with Dan Walker, 48, who now presents the news on 5. In June 2021, she announced she was leaving the show after 20 years on air before making her final departure in September. Now the star returned to daytime broadcasting on BBC One as she made an appearance on Morning Live. Gaby Roslin, 60, and Rav Wilding, 47, introduced the star as a 'consumer expert'. She appeared on the main rival to ITV 's This Morning to give her take on the drop in car insurance costs. Angela Rippon on Rip Off Britain. The TV personality was sat on the kitchen island alongside the likes of Dr Kiran Morjaria and gardener Mark Lane. Gaby took to her Instagram grid page as she revelled in the company of the broadcast veteran. BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt forced to pull live broadcast after 'dead dog' shown on-screen She could be seen pushing Louise who swung on one of the show's plush swivel chairs in the brightly lit studio. She captioned the video: "Good morning everyone. Pre show shenanigans here @bbcmorninglive with @louiseminchin and we are so ready to spin around on this Friday morning." Before she took to the airwaves, Naga Munchetty and Charlie fronted the Friday edition of BBC Breakfast amid growing tensions. It has previously been revealed the show's editor Richard Frediani, has taken an extended period of leave amid claims of bullying. Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. She was also alleged to have used a slang term for a sexual act off-air in separate damning claims. A BBC spokesperson previously said: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. "We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. 4 4
The Guardian
31 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Gary Lineker says BBC should ‘hold its head in shame' for dropping Gaza film
Gary Lineker has said the BBC should 'hold its head in shame' over its failure to show a documentary about the plight of medics in Gaza. The former Match of the Day presenter said people at 'the very top of the BBC' had been failing over the conflict, following the corporation's controversial decision to drop Gaza: Doctors Under Attack. It is the first time Lineker has criticised his former employer since he left the broadcaster in May. His departure came after he apologised for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations. He had reposted a video about Gaza that contained a picture of a rat, imagery used in the Nazi era to attack Jews. A clearly emotional Lineker was speaking at a private viewing of the Gaza medics documentary in London on Thursday night, where he led a question and answer session with the producers after the showing. 'It needed to be seen, it really did need to be seen – I think everyone would agree with that,' he said. 'I think the BBC should hold its head in shame. 'As someone who's worked for the corporation for 30 years, to see the way it's declined in the last year or two has been devastating really, because I've defended it and defended it against claims that it's partial. It talks about impartiality all the time. 'The truth is at the moment, [there is a problem] at the very top of the BBC. Not [all] the BBC because there are thousands and thousands of people that work at the BBC, that are good people, that understand what is going on here and can see it. We see it on our phones every day. The problem is they're bowing to the pressure from the top. This is a worry and I think time's coming where a lot of people are going to be answerable to this, and complicity is something that will come to many.' The BBC Radio 5 presenter Nihal Arthanayake responded to a video of Lineker's comments by saying: 'Gary Lineker is a good man. He is spot on about the BBC.' The BBC has been approached over his comments. It has previously said it had been attempting to find ways to use the documentary material in news coverage, but a final decision was made to drop the film entirely after talks broke down with its producers, Basement Films. There has been considerable internal unrest over the failure to broadcast the programme, with the director general, Tim Davie, facing questions about it at a recent virtual meeting with staff. More than 100 BBC staff signed a letter criticising the decision to drop the film. It ends a torrid week for the BBC, which has also been hit with the fallout from its failure to cut the live feed of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance. Davie has come under significant pressure from ministers over the broadcast. During the live stream, Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, led chants of 'death, death to the IDF', referring to the Israel Defense Forces, at Glastonbury last Saturday. While Davie has received a vote of confidence from the BBC board and its chair, Samir Shah, more junior figures appear to be expected to take the blame for the incident. There have been unconfirmed reports that Lorna Clarke, who oversees pop music commissioning at the BBC, has stood back from her duties. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We would urge people not to speculate, particularly in relation to any individuals.' BBC insiders have pointed to editorial cuts as fuelling issues around the monitoring of live streams. One said many of the BBC staff who worked on Glastonbury were volunteers from other teams, especially on digital-only streams.
