Taskmaster confirms new Champion of Champions lineup

'Taskmaster' is bringing back Dara O Briain, Sophie Duker and more for a new 'Champion of Champions' series.

The upcoming run on Channel 4 will see five constants returning on January 14 for another shot at the pleasing Greg Davies and his assistant - and show creator - Little Alex Horne.

Winners of four of the last five series will take part, as Dara and Sophie compete with Morgana Robinson and Sarah Kendall.

In a twist, series 15 winner Mae Martin was unable to take part due to filming commitments in the United States.

Instead, their fellow contestant Kiell Smith-Bynoe will step in, and the comedian is backing the 'Ghosts' actor to do them proud.

Mae said: "I am absolutely fuming at the fact that I am unable to participate in Taskmaster's Champion of Champions.

"I would love nothing more than to fight for the title of ultimate champion and spend another week of my life being ridiculed by Greg.

"I am, however, confident in the choice to send Kiell to fight on my behalf.

"He is an agile and profoundly competitive young man, and also much much cooler and funnier than me, so we should have it in the bag."

And while Kiell lost to Mae last year, they are still hoping for the best.

Mae added: "Good luck, Kiell. I am holding my breath from the US and rooting for you."

The series and air date was officially confirmed on Tuesday (02.01.24) after Lenny Rush, 14, won the 'Taskmaster's New Year Treat' special, which also featured Deborah Meaden, Steve Backshall, Zoe Ball and Kojey Radical.

The most recent regular series aired in autumn, and saw Sam Campbell crowned the winner with Sue Perkins, Susan Wokoma, Julian Clary and Lucy Beaumont making up the rest of the cast.

Series 17 will also follow later in 2024, although a date and cast is yet to be confirmed.