Latest news with #MathewBaynton
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Taskmaster 2025 winner reveals what you didn't see in 'best season ever'
Taskmaster season 19 has come to a triumphant end with BBC star Mathew Baynton celebrating an epic victory. 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 entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ 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
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Taskmaster final, Steel Magnolias and The Old Guard 2
Supercruising: Life at Sea Channel 4, 8pm New eight-part travelogue following luxury cruise ships MS Rotterdam and MS Nieuw as they journey around the world. Along the way we'll meet their crew and passengers who, in the first episode, are en route to North Africa, Europe, Florida and the Bahamas. The grand final takes place. While Rosie Ramsey puts a wooden box on her head, Mathew Baynton has harsh words for a puppy, a door is on the wrong end of Fatiha El-Ghorri's ire and Team JV Martzoukas go into business. But which of them will Greg Davies hand the trophy to? Fíorscéal TG4, 10.45pm American agriculture comes under the spotlight. Among the stories covered are the use of growth hormones to fatten up livestock quickly and cheaply, and water shortages in California. Steel Magnolias Film4, 6.40pm Tearjerking melodrama featuring an all-star cast that includes Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Shirley MacLaine. A group of female friends from across several generations come together to support each other during difficult times. The Old Guard 2 Netflix, streaming now Charlize Theron's Andy returns alongside her band of immortal fighters, driven by a refreshed commitment to safeguarding humanity. Fans of The Sandman will be thrilled to learn that the second and final instalment has landed. ADVERTISEMENT Tour de France: Unchained Netflix, streaming now In its final season, expect a high-stakes clash between cycling's elite and bold new challengers. Young Sheldon Netflix, streaming now Bear with me; both Disney+ and Netflix have had six seasons of Young Sheldon for years. Now, after an excruciating wait, Netflix has got its mittens on season seven. If you're rolling your eyes thinking, 'Hasn't that Big Bang offshoot been around forever?' Yes, it has, but it's far (far) superior to its predecessor. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Reunion Special Disney+, streaming now How's that for a title? Following season two's dramatic finale, host Nick Viall brings #MomTok and #DadTok back together for revelations, unseen clips, and a surprise twist. Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel Netflix, streaming now I don't know about you, but I'm not sure where I'd be without our Tuesday Trainwreck instalment. The American Apparel brand soared in the early Noughties with salacious ads and ethical wear, but behind the scenes, chaotic leadership and misconduct allegations sent the brand into a downward spiral. For more stark viewing, Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers is streaming now. Shark Whisperer Netflix, streaming now Whether you deem her a social media opportunist or a 'changemaking' conservationist, you can't quibble with the (literal) name Ocean Ramsay has made for herself. Melding striking visuals with a close character study, the film dissects the ethical and ecological dilemmas at the heart of environmental activism. Perspectives from scientists, indigenous voices, and conservationists — on all sides — reveal the complexity of Ramsay and the issues she raises. Squid Game Netflix, streaming now Brace yourselves… In the wildly anticipated third and final season of Squid Game, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, aka player 456) returns. Haunted by incremental loss, he's determined to end the deadly competition once and for all. His clash with the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) escalates into a (surprise, surprise) grave battle of strategy and morality, as new games and old enemies collide. With the expected level of twists — including a baby being added to the mix and the viral Gachapon craze (plastic vending balls to you) putting in a pivotal appearance — the stakes are high. As surviving players face progressively brutal choices, the line between justice and tainted vengeance increasingly blurs. Can humanity survive the harshest reality? As the world awaits the final answer, writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a powerful conclusion to the global phenomenon. I think we'll be the collective judges of that. The Charles Ponzi Story AppleTV+, streaming now We've all heard of Ponzi schemes, but what do you know of their namesake? He was a broke immigrant based in 1920s Boston, who rocketed to wealth and infamy in mere months by orchestrating what would become known as the infamous scheme, one of history's boldest financial frauds. For more stories inspired by true events, try Smoke starring Taron Egerton, John Leguizamo and Greg Kinnear.
Metro
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Taskmaster star reveals he 'did something he'll regret for rest of his life'
Taskmaster star Mathew Baynton has revealed he's done something he may regret for the rest of his life. The Ghosts actor and comedian, 44, is joining Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Jason Mantzoukas, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Rosie Ramsey and Stevie Martin on the new season of Greg Davies and Alex Horne's chaotic Channel 4 show. The beloved Bafta award-winning series is returning with the five stars set to take part in a new batch of wild challenges, and Mathew has already teased what we can expect. 'I did something it's fair to say I might regret for the rest of my life,' he admitted. In an exclusive interview with Metro ahead of the new series airing, the Horrible Histories legend continued: 'The bizarre thing about that is that no one is telling you what to do, it's your decision. 'So I was the maker of my own misfortune in that sense… it's like you just go into this strange mental space, and all you're thinking about is the task, and you're being forced to make decisions quite quickly, and you just do it and throw yourself into it. 'It's only when you're in the car on the way home that you think, 'Oh s**t, that's going on TV, that's going to last forever'.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The comic elsewhere revealed he had a 'momentary wobble' before signing up to the show, fearing 'submitting myself to public judgement'. 'It is a strangely exposing thing, you're there really to be made a fool of, and you have to be open to that happening,' he said. Mathew revealed that as well as receiving advice from his Ghosts co-stars, presenter Alex was on hand to reassure him behind-the-scenes. 'I think he's so used to the insecurities that people might come into it with so he's really encouraging,' he shared. He added: 'It's the most I've ever felt like I'm literally stepping into my television – that's what I'd say was the most surreal thing about it. 'If you watch something for years, and then you find yourself literally there, it's like stepping into your TV.' Mathew, who found stardom on the likes of Horrible Histories and Yonderland with the Them There troupe, is now hoping to show a different side to himself with Taskmaster. 'I've been a fan genuinely since the very beginning,' he told us. 'There was a period when – after a show I did called The Wrong Mans – when I started to get offered panel shows and I was really nervous about being myself and so I said no to those kind of things, because I thought of myself as a writer and a comic actor, but not a comedian or a stand up comic. 'And when Taskmaster started, I remember loving it and thinking maybe this is one I would do if they asked me to, because it felt like the framework is so brilliantly set up. 'You're not under pressure to be funny, it's really just about submitting to it, being really open, and just trying to do whatever insane things you're being asked to do, and it just looked like so much fun.' He added: 'You probably reveal more of yourself through your work than you realize you do. 'I doubt people are going to be particularly surprised I'm quite a silly person with not a huge amount of personal dignity. 'I've probably made that clear through my work today, anyway. So yeah, there was no mystery to protect.' More Trending Despite his genuine love for the show, and the 'competitive streak' he admitted to having, Mathew teased that as well as moments he may later regret, there were 'full mental breakdowns' that took place. He told us: 'Not to say I went in thinking I'm going to win, but like, I'm going to give it my best shot each task, and then routinely, I would open the envelope, have a full mental breakdown within seconds and end up back in the dressing room with my head in my hands going, 'Well, that was a disaster, hopefully the next one will go a bit better'.' He added: 'I mean that's the brilliant thing about the show as well, Greg is absolutely singing from his own songbook, you can't predict what he's going to think.' View More » Taskmaster airs at 9pm on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
