19 greatest Taskmaster contestants ever ranked – from Mel Giedroyc to Bob Mortimer

Exactly ten years ago today, a comedy show created by Alex Horne stealthily began on the British digital station U&Dave (known then simply as Dave, with the slogan “The hub of clever conversation”).

In the last ten years, the program known as Taskmaster has transitioned to Channel 4 and grown into an international sensation that spawned books, podcasts, holiday crackers, clothing lines, board games, a VR game, live events, an educational initiative for schools, and even its own streaming platform with a subscription service.

At the heart of the show’s triumph is a group of five comedians who, every season, take on the outlandish, puzzling, and uproarious challenges created by Alex Horne, all in an effort to win over the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies.

In recognition of the significant achievement of the series, and with a tribute to the impressive 19 seasons that have been broadcast, TopMob has compiled a list of their top 19 all-time favorite contestants to feature on the show.

Taskmaster’s 19 greatest ever contestants ranked

19. Rose Matafeo

Contestant Rose Matafeo from Season 9 of Taskmaster gained immense popularity that led to an unusual turn of events: she assumed the role typically held by the show’s host, albeit in a different capacity on Junior Taskmaster. Given her exceptional performance as a contestant, it’s difficult not to endorse this change.

18. John Kearns

John Kearns is certainly someone who knows what he desires and isn’t afraid to pursue it. Long before his appearance on the show, he was already a respected figure in comedy circles. When he joined Season 14, he caught the public off guard, but swiftly established himself as a Taskmaster legend with an effortless toss of his jacket.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say my most memorable moment was undeniably the notorious sabotage challenge where I blundered my way through a team task, leaving Dara Ó Briain and Fern Brady fuming. However, I also crafted an enigmatic eight-word short play that left us questioning if it was pure genius or utter nonsense. And let’s not forget the lesson learned: rubber ducks are not only found in pharmacies! It was an unforgettable experience indeed.

17. Judi Love

Among the standout competitors, Love showcased unwavering self-assurance reminiscent of a seasoned pro, despite finding herself lower in the rankings. To give credit where it’s due, we can’t help but suspect that perhaps she harbors a hidden avian mascot on her visage.

16. Ed Gamble

It’s hard to imagine that a season 9 champion, the podcast host of Taskmaster, and arguably its most competitive competitor would be left off the list. Ed Gamble was determined to win, and he did so with panache, all while maintaining his knack for being both entertaining and funny.

Gamble performed inappropriate acts on a chickpea, carved a mountain resembling himself known as Mount Rushmore, and faced the difficult challenge of working alongside David Baddiel for a live performance. However, his most significant accomplishment was winning the Champion of Champions prize task where he sent Greg’s golden head into space – arguably the show’s most touching moment (excluding Alex Horne’s water feature, naturally).

15. Dara Ó Briain

It’s worth noting that if we were evaluating Taskmaster contestants based on their success in actually winning the show, there would be a compelling case for Dara Ó Briain to take the top spot. In season 14, he not only emerged as the winner but also claimed the title of Champion of Champions, outperforming all others. His victory was a result of his charisma, poise, and strategic use of occasional confusion.

I found it even more captivating since he was part of a team featuring Fern Brady and John Kearns. His growing despair became an unexpected yet poignant element throughout the episodes, particularly shining in a live task that will forever be etched in my memory. To his dismay, this challenge presented the question: “Which aircraft is more likely to collide with mountains?

14. Sally Phillips

In the fifth season, Sally Phillips staged the portrayal of Alex Horne’s birth, shared an unconventional moment with a water cooler, and utilized a task involving Marmite as a pretext to consume absinthe. It was clear that Sally, known for her bold roles in Smack the Pony, never shied away from taking risks.

She delighted in ramping things up to the maximum whenever she could, and there was a playful sparkle in her gaze as she prepared to wreak havoc (we kindly decline if she ever proposes a unique hug). However, her most remarkable achievement was her collaboration with Aisling Bea and Bob Mortimer on the beloved song for “senior athlete” Rosalind – featuring exceptional harmony contributions from Phillips.

13. Romesh Ranganathan

Since the instant Romesh Ranganathan burst into the lab and shattered a watermelon onto the ground during the inaugural task of the debut episode, it was evident that both he and the freshly minted Taskmaster series would capture our affections.

His actions following that were beyond reproach – he went as far as filling an eggcup with chili sauce instead of his tears to show his dedication, for heaven’s sake. He also produced the underrated gem, Tree Wizard, which was a contender in the Best Live Action Short Film category at that year’s Academy Awards. Like all participants from season 1, we were craving for more than just six episodes of Rangantahan.

12. Jason Mantzoukas

In the lead-up to season 19, there was a great deal of excitement surrounding the debut of the first American contestant on Taskmaster. Without a doubt, Jason Mantzoukas exceeded expectations. A self-proclaimed ardent fan who essentially requested his spot on the show, Mantzoukas is known for his roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place. He was boisterous, bold, and unpredictable – in all the most entertaining ways.

In my cinematic journey, I embraced the task with a passion to “wreck, deconstruct, set ablaze,” and from the get-go, it was evident that I was living my best life on set. Alongside the unforgettably entertaining Stevie Martin, we formed an infectiously fun duo, known more formally as Javie Martzoukas. Every moment of our collaboration kept viewers hooked, just like everything else Mantzoukas brought to the table.

11. Jessica Knappett

Among all Taskmaster contestants, Jessica Knappett stands out as the one who made such a lasting impression that a part of the studio was renamed after her. She achieved this by flamboyantly jumping off the stage during a live task, which we now refer to as ‘The Knappett’ runway.

The season 7 contestant was delightful, frequently mimicking an imaginary air horn, recounting amusing stories about an embarrassing school disco outfit, and performing an Alex Horne dance routine to the tune of her lively jig. Furthermore, we’d make time for a complete series of their soap opera collaboration with Kerry Godliman, titled Cul de Sac.

10. Nish Kumar

Nish Kumar, who was last in PE but first in being a legend, significantly changed the rulebook when it came to subpar Taskmaster performances. It took him nearly half an hour to get his basketball through the hoop, his cursing put out a candle he needed to keep alight, and in a task to propel a coconut as far from the house as possible, it miraculously ended up right next to the house (approximately 0.0m away). Even his sudoku attempts were not accurate by any means.

Nevertheless, he was an absolute joy to observe and experienced one of the most remarkable turnarounds among all. His impromptu song for a stranger, titled “I’m Always Seeing You (Do Cool Stuff)”, penned in just 30 minutes, is not simply impressive; it’s extraordinary. Here at our place, Nish, your best effort is always more than sufficient.

9. Mel Giedroyc

Her attempt at creating an extraordinary sandwich was impressively the second best thing she showed us – and she truly gave it her all – while her ingenious idea to squeeze a toy camel through the tiniest opening by taking it to a Baby Gap store will go down in history. Overall, her entire act served as a valuable lesson for us all – when faced with uncertainty, always channel your inner Mel.

8. James Acaster

James Acaster should be included on the list due to his eight-week effort in mastering hula dancing, which unfortunately turned sour during performance. Known for his quick temper, season 7’s star had some spectacular outbursts, whether it was scolding the Taskmaster for failing to open a tiny box or butting heads with Rhod Gilbert over extensions and satsumas.

7. Rhod Gilbert

Over time, several comedians have been close friends with Greg Davies on Taskmaster, but none have left as significant an impression as Rhod Gilbert did during season 7. Each challenge served as a chance for Rhod to mock Davies, whether it was by displaying the famous photo of the host in his underwear or by filming him in his personal wardrobe overnight.

Gilbert’s “madman” strategy led to some truly remarkable instances, such as him maintaining eye contact for an impressive seven minutes straight and impaling a caravan with a javelin – quite an action! Additionally, his feuds with James Acaster during the Taskmaster challenges have become legendary. One of the most ingenious moments was when he opted to bind Alex Horne rather than himself in that particular task, showcasing some out-of-the-box thinking that has left a lasting impact on the series.

6. Sam Campbell

Is there any contestant’s debut episode introduction that surpasses Sam Campbell from Season 16? In just under an hour, he showcased a terrifying Pinocchio, discussed the Thai cave rescue team, came close to making the most remarkable call during the live weighing scales task, and even questioned Greg Davies about his potential background as a child of divorce. To top it all off, he emerged victorious.

In a comedy show like Taskmaster, Campbell stood out as a fresh face, showcasing his unique, off-the-wall creativity that quickly won over audiences. What truly set him apart was his willingness to push boundaries – be it by appending a question mark after every word in a thesaurus or taking on a fictional task about mice and fish with enthusiasm. All the best to whoever dares challenge him in Champion of Champions 4!

5. Sophie Duker

In the thirteenth season of Taskmaster, Sophie Duker, who is one of the House Queens and the champion, showed exceptional effort in every attempt she made – she recited Shakespeare from memory while adorned in a royal robe, and she managed to hold her breath while handcuffed beneath the water during the same task.

Before discussing her impressive vegan butter consumption in creating an edible sculpture, her remarkable endurance, and the challenging tongue task (we’ll verify her time later, but we’re hesitant to rewatch it), let me praise her performance – especially earning a rap battle from Alex Horne. Essentially, if you want a job done exceptionally well, Duker is your go-to person.

4. Fern Brady

Fern Brady is indeed Fern Brady, and she rightfully wears the crown. Known as the Taskmistress, she was an absolute delight during season 14, and it wasn’t just her Mozart earworm that made her stand out. In a recent interview, Alex Horne himself praised her as the contestant who caught him off guard the most.

3. Mathew Baynton

In season 19, Baynton consistently showed an extraordinary dedication to his performances, leading the leaderboard, yet he often stumbled in ways that seemed fitting for a performer at the other end of the scoring scale. We can still empathize with him over his minor oversights in the campfire and cushions tasks. However, if there has been a more cleverly devised prize task entry, we haven’t encountered it yet.

2. Bob Mortimer

In the role of an exceptional participant, the renowned comedian, national treasure, and victor of Taskmaster season 5, Bob Mortimer, was certain to deliver a remarkable performance, and he certainly did not fall short. The discourse in the studio revolved around various topics such as sausage and pork pie displays, wind-dried puffins, and an excessive amount of details regarding his bathroom habits.

In the meantime, his work involved a dreadful assortment of Wotsits, a grotesque food mask, and a modern probe into the quantity of urine produced in Dumfries and Galloway. Additionally, he played a significant role, alongside Aisling Bea and Sally Phillips, in what might be considered the show’s best task yet, reviving an old tune from his Shooting Stars days to exclaim – let’s chime in – “Rosalind’s a real nightmare”.

1. Mike Wozniak

When considering the qualities of an outstanding Taskmaster contestant, certain attributes come to mind. They should excel at tasks, display unbridled enthusiasm, possess creativity and intelligence, yet be capable of adding an element of chaos and silliness. They must not shy away from challenging authority, such as a vole. Enter: Mike Wozniwak.

The main actor from season 11 was already highly respected in the comedy industry before joining the series (he took home the first-ever Taskmaster trophy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010), but it was his endearing, indecisive performances that truly catapulted him to stardom – an exceptional achievement considering it happened right during the Covid period on the show, with all social distancing rules and no live audience present.

Starting point: Leaping over a fence in pursuit of a floating helium balloon, an act many would have given up on? Juggling dishes while riding a self-balancing scooter in pouring rain at a stressful location? Cutting his own hair to create a mohawk for comedic effect on set? All these are just preludes to his surprising “culinary explosion” revelation, undoubtedly one of the most astonishing TV moments of recent years.

So here’s to you, Mike Wozniak. We’re raising a glass of milk in your honour.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but wonder: among the diverse cast of competitors in Taskmaster season 20, who will undoubtedly captivate our hearts and entertain our souls? Let me guide you through a sneak peek at this year’s contestants: [Here’s the rundown]

You can stream Taskmaster in the UK on Channel 4, while viewers outside the UK can find it on YouTube. Keep an eye out for Season 20, as it’s about to premiere!

2025-07-28 18:37