Latest news with #Taskmaster
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer reunites with EastEnders icon as he returns to Sky show
He's miles away from Albert Square and all the EastEnders drama, but Danny Dyer was still thrilled to be reunited with one of his former co-stars while filming for Mr Bigstuff. Nudity, fights and secret kisses – Danny Dyer doesn't hold back in the second series of Mr Bigstuff. He even bumped into one of his former co-stars in EastEnders. Danny Dyer 's appearance in the first season has already earned him the 2025 TV Bafta for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme. Now, the show returns with Danny and creator Ryan Sampson as chalk-and-cheese brothers Lee and Glen – two blokes bound by blood but tested by secrets and deep-rooted dysfunction. The emotions may be deep, but Mr Bigstuff doesn't forget its slapstick roots. The stunts are back, and Danny has gone full throttle. 'It's very physical. It was a whole day of me having a tear-up,' he says, 'I don't mind that stuff, but it's getting a bit more difficult as I get older.' One brawl sees Lee square up to members of a working men's club – and even Ryan couldn't believe what he was seeing. 'Danny was very impressive, he's like Errol Flynn when he gets going,' he says, 'I've never seen anybody do that before. It's really technical and knackering.' Alongside the bruises and banter are a few familiar faces, with Taskmaster 's Fatiha El-Ghorri popping up again as Aysha, as well as EastEnders stars Alan Ford, who played Stevie Mitchell, and Linda Henry, aka Shirley Carter. 'I love Linda,' says Danny, who starred as Shirley's son Mick in the BBC soap. 'I wanted more scenes with her.' Both actors were inspired by their own lives to nail the chaotic relationship. 'They're at each other's throats, aren't they?' says Ryan, 39. 'I have siblings, and we sometimes tear strips off each other.' Danny's real-life brother Tony provided some inspiration for Glen and his character Lee. 'We're only 18 months apart but we're so different, a little bit like Lee and Glen. My brother hated football when he was a kid. His best friend was a girl and he loved playing with Barbies,' Danny, 47, recalls. 'He was the bane of my life because being in an East London school, he was being bullied for it and I was fighting his battles a lot. "He's a straight man, but he wanted to play with dolls. There's nothing wrong with that at all.' And then there were the games they played together. 'We used to play a game called Judo Mermaid. He was the mermaid so he would put my mum's tights on his head and I was Judo. I'd turn up, a bit like Columbo, with a celery stick in my mouth, and solve crimes.' But in Mr Bigstuff the laughs stop for Glen when his fiancée Kirsty – played by Harriet Webb – starts behaving strangely. She's sitting on a secret that could destroy everything. As fans will remember, Kirsty shared a stolen kiss with Lee at the end of series one. And she's kept it to herself since. But in real life, Harriet admits she isn't to be trusted with her own secrets. 'I'm very much an over-sharer,' she admits, 'I once lied about how many sausages I'd eaten. Then immediately, after telling the lie, I revealed the truth.' When a mystery blackmailer appears and threatens to spill the beans, silence becomes critical for her relationship with Glen. 'Throughout series one, they told each other, 'No more secrets,'' Harriet says. 'They made a pact, especially after he found out about Kirsty's shoplifting. So to have another secret, although I'm not the only one, is a lot.' Series two doesn't just revolve around Kirsty's moral dilemmas. Lee and Glen go digging into their father's past, only for Lee to stumble on something that could shatter their sense of identity. Not all scenes were fun for Harriet. She recalls one tough day of filming in Canvey Island, Essex. 'There was one day dedicated to a scene in episode five and Ryan told me, 'I can't wait for this,'' Harriet says. 'And I was like, 'It's going to be hell, I'm going to have to be on the verge of tears for an entire day.' That was my biggest challenge this season.' For Ryan, the toughest scenes were the romantic ones. As a proud gay man, filming intimate moments with Harriet took some getting used to. 'I've written a lot of sex scenes and kissing,'' he says, 'But actually doing it… There was one moment Kirsty was like, 'I think you grab my boob now.' That might only be the second boob I've grabbed.' Still, the messy love triangle, the family drama and the emotional gut punches all come wrapped in the off-beat humour that made Mr Bigstuff a surprise hit. And its second series goes bigger and bolder. As for a third? The cast are all on board, though Ryan says he hasn't got it nailed down yet. 'I'm waiting to see what the viewers think,' he says. 'But season two ends on the biggest plot twist I could think of. That's the jumping off point for series three. I already have a few ideas.'
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Richard Osman reveals he pined for wife for a year before meeting on BBC show
Richard Osman has revealed how he 'pined' for his wife, Ingrid Oliver, for a year before they finally met on the set of his BBC gameshow. The Pointless presenter, 54, met Doctor Who actress Ingrid, 48, on Richard Osman's House of Games in 2021. Of their first meeting, Richard previously said: 'Ingrid came on House of Games. I knew who she was through social media. We'd never met – I had never met her. I had a little twinkle in my eye, I'll admit that. 'She came on, we filmed that day together. Our first date is completely on camera. After filming, I was thinking, 'How can I ask her for a drink, this is difficult.'' After becoming friends, they struck up a romance, and were eventually married in a 2022 wedding ceremony which Richard described as 'the most magical, joyful day.' In a new interview, the former Taskmaster contestant has shared how he had a crush on his future wife long before they actually met. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Richard said: 'I was aware of Ingrid from social media and thought she was very funny, but beyond a single tweet we'd never communicated. 'I asked our mutual friend, the comedian Lou Sanders, to check if Ingrid was available. She wasn't. Twelve months later, in 2021, Ingrid was a guest on my quiz show House of Games. 'This time Lou told me Ingrid was available, so I spent a long day in front of the cameras desperately trying not to flirt. I made eye contact less with her than any other guest ever.' Having become friends during her House of Games appearance, romance then blossomed for Richard and Ingrid during lockdown. Engagement rumours began when Ingrid was spotted wearing an emerald ring. Richard then confirmed the news in May 2022, during an interview with The Observer. Asked by fellow writer Marian Keyes whether rumours of their engagement were true, the Thursday Murder Club author replied: 'Yes,' adding: 'Exciting, isn't it?' The pair then tied the knot in December that year, surrounded by friends and family. On the Christmas Day edition of Desert Island Discs, Richard paid tribute to Ingrid, explaining: 'I'm happy with myself, I've got these beautiful kids, I've met the woman who I'm going to be with for the rest of my life. 'That thing of competition and ambition, you soon realise that rocket fuel disappears and it's about happiness and my kids bring me happiness and Ingrid brings me happiness.' Richard split from his first wife in 2007, with whom he shares two older children, Ruby and Sonny, both of whom are in their twenties. Both children were present at his wedding to Ingrid, with his son acting as his best man during the ceremony. In the wake of their wedding, Richard admitted how 'terrified' he had been to get married. More Trending Appearing on Loose Women, he shared: 'Yeah, it's terrifying to get married. All of our friends were there, there's so much you have to organise, you've got the band, the booze, the ceremony, all that stuff. 'And also, it was so filled with love that day, everyone we knew, everyone we loved, people from school, from my whole life, were there, and you just think, 'Just don't get it wrong.' 'Of course, the second you're there and standing opposite each other, doing the vows, you know it can't go wrong. View More » 'But beforehand it was absolutely terrifying.' 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. MORE: All 5 episodes of 'captivating' war drama streaming on BBC after agonising wait MORE: Major stars and Hollywood icons who've appeared in Casualty from Tom Hiddleston to Kate Winslet MORE: John Torode returns to TV for first time since MasterChef sacking for 'racist term'
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alex Horne reveals 'special guest' in Taskmaster season 21 line-up as major change in store
Alex Horne reveals 'special guest' in Taskmaster season 21 line-up as major change in store Taskmaster creator and assistant "Little" Alex Horne has teased some major changes in store for season 21 of the Channel 4 programme. Taskmaster season 20 has yet to air, though the cast has been revealed (Image: Channel 4 ) Taskmaster's mastermind, Alex Horne, has hinted at exciting changes for the Channel 4 show's upcoming 21st season. The hit comedy show, which challenges five celebrities to compete in a series of outlandish tasks, is set for some intriguing updates. From filling an egg cup with their own tears, attempting to make a bridge out of straws, rubbers and chewing gum, to hula hooping on stage in front of a live audience, or making a creepy nursery rhyme, Taskmaster has ensured there's never been a lack of variety or surprises. Greg Davies presides over the mayhem as the Taskmaster, with "Little" Alex Horne by his side as his assistant. Since its debut in 2019, the programme has welcomed a plethora of stars such as Munya Chawawa, Judi Love, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, and Bob Mortimer. Season 20 saw Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Matthew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey, and Stevie Martin vying for the title, with Ghosts actor Mathew taking the trophy home. Article continues below Alex Horne has dropped a major hint about Taskmaster season 21 (Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4 ) Despite the recent reveal of the line-up for season 20, which is yet to premiere later this year, Alex is already dropping hints about what's next for the show, reports the Mirror. Speaking to Radio Times, he revealed: "There are two things that are new. We're filming somewhere as well as the house – somewhere that's pretty mad." He continued with a tantalising tease: "And we have a special guest this series from somewhere exotic who you'll recognise. That's all I can say." He added to the publication: "20's coming out soon. All going well. We're just in the middle of filming the next one and I'm still enjoying it. I'm still weirdly finding it exciting." Horrible Histories actor Mathew Baynton was crowned champion of season 19 (Image: Lion Television/BBC ) The anticipation for season 20 of the show reached new heights when the line-up was revealed, much to the delight of fans. The upcoming series will feature Ania Magliano, Maisie Adam, Phil Ellis, Reece Shearsmith, and Sanjeev Bhaskar vying for the title of champion, with a New Year's special also expected, following the tradition of previous specials that have included stars like Claudia Winkleman, Sir Mo Farah, Carol Vorderman, Martin Lewis, and Rylan Clark. Excitement bubbled over among fans after a teaser was released showing the five comedians undertaking a task for the forthcoming season 20, as part of the announcement. One fan expressed their joy on social media, stating: "My prayers have been answered I have wanted maisie adam on taskmaster for so long." Another said: "Oh this is going to be GOOD!!" Content cannot be displayed without consent A third couldn't contain their excitement, exclaiming: "FINALLY REECE OH MY GOD IVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS." Meanwhile, Horrible Histories star Mathew reflected on his win in a recent interview with Metro, and revealed his plans to return. "I'm just really happy. I was having so much fun...," he shared. Article continues below After a suggestion of returning for the Champion of Champions series, which has the previous winners battle it out against each other, he added: "I did start thinking, oh, it would be really nice [to win] because winning means a repeat of the experience. The number one thing about winning is thinking, Oh, great, I get to go back. "I guess the only sadness about getting to go back is that I won't be sat with those guys [the season 19 contestants] because they were so much fun." Taskmaster is available to watch on Channel 4.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Alex Horne teases major change for Taskmaster season 21 and 'special guest'
Taskmaster creator Alex Horne has teased a new series of the Bafta-winning Channel 4 comedy. Taskmaster creator Alex Horne has teased big changes in store for the Channel 4 programme's 21st season. For the uninitiated, the long-running comedy series sees a batch of five celebrities pitted against each other as they take on various bizarre tasks to be crowned the winner. From filling an egg cup with their own tears, attempting to make a bridge out of straws, rubbers and chewing gum, to hula hooping on stage in front of a live audience, or making a creepy nursery rhyme, Taskmaster really has seen it all. The series, hosted by Greg Davies and 'Little' Alex Horne as his assistant, first aired in 2019, and over that time has seen more than a hundred celebrities take part, including Munya Chawawa, Judi Love, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan and Bob Mortimer. The latest season featured Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Matthew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey and Stevie Martin battle it out, with Ghosts actor Mathew crowned the winner. And although season 20's line-up has only just been announced, with the series yet to air later this year, Alex has already teased the following instalment. In an interview with Radio Times , he shared: 'There are two things that are new. We're filming somewhere as well as the house – somewhere that's pretty mad." He then added: "And we have a special guest this series from somewhere exotic who you'll recognise. That's all I can say." He went on to tell the publication: "20's coming out soon. All going well. We're just in the middle of filming the next one and I'm still enjoying it. I'm still weirdly finding it exciting." Though there's no telling who that could be, fans were left delighted when the season 20 line-up dropped. It will see Ania Magliano, Maisie Adam, Phil Ellis, Reece Shearsmith and Sanjeev Bhaskar go head to head to be named champion, while a New Year 's special is also presumed to air, with past specials having seen the likes of Claudia Winkleman, Sir Mo Farah, Carol Vorderman, Martin Lewis and Rylan Clark take part. After a teaser showing the five new comedians filming a task for season 20, as part of the line-up announcement, fans were left delighted. One wrote: 'My prayers have been answered I have wanted maisie adam on taskmaster for so long.' Another said: 'Oh this is going to be GOOD!!' 'FINALLY REECE OH MY GOD IVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS,' a fourth commented. Meanwhile, Horrible Histories star Mathew reflected on his win in a recent interview with Metro, and revealed his plans to return. 'I'm just really happy. I was having so much fun…,' he shared. After a suggestion of returning for the Champion of Champions series, which has the previous winners battle it out against each other, he added: 'I did start thinking, oh, it would be really nice [to win] because winning means a repeat of the experience. The number one thing about winning is thinking, Oh, great, I get to go back. 'I guess the only sadness about getting to go back is that I won't be sat with those guys [the season 19 contestants] because they were so much fun.'
Metro
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Man arrested after 'disgusting' plot to blackmail TV comedy star uncovered
A man has been arrested after threatening to spread 'disgusting' false accusations about a widely-loved comedian in a blackmail plot. The TV star, who cannot be named, reported the incident to police on June 26, which led to the arrest of a suspect who is believed to be a 35-year-old German national. The suspect had attempted to extort money from the onscreen entertainer through the threat of spreading 'vile and defamatory claims' about him, per The Sun. This blackmail campaign reportedly took place over several months as the suspect inundated the victim with text messages and phone calls with plans to conduct a smear campaign. The police arrested the suspect in London and seized their electronic devices. He has been put on bail until September pending inquiries. Meanwhile, the victim has received support from the police to provide a full statement. A source from The Sun explained: 'He is said to have received messages and calls from a blackmailer who was threatening to publicly smear him with false accusations. 'These accusations were disgusting in nature and totally false – and they have caused the victim considerable distress,' they said about the blackmail attempt, adding the 'bolt from the blue' left the victim 'shocked'. More Trending The arrest was confirmed by Scotland Yard. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: 'On Friday, June 27, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, blackmail and malicious communications. 'He was taken into custody and later bailed to return pending further inquiries. He is next due back on a date in mid-September. 'The arrest follows allegations reported to police on June 26. The investigation is ongoing.' 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: BBC quietly adds second season of TV series fans hailed 'bizarrely dark' MORE: Comedian admits he 'nearly got into a punch-up' at Wimbledon MORE: I was convinced Taskmaster was going downhill – the 2025 season saved it
