Taskmaster

Series nine of Taskmaster has arrived, and Greg Davies is ready to dole out yet more harsh-but-fair judgements on the efforts of a cast of comedians desperate to impress him with their task-tackling skills. The five fresh fish are: David Baddiel, Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, Katy Wix and Rose Matafeo.

It's still very early days in the marathon battle to claim Taskmaster Greg Davies's bold, gold bonce. Ed Gamble gets reckless with a frying pan, Katy Wix asks for a pencil and Jo Brand shares a leisurely sandwich with David Baddiel. Alex Horne is there to log all the important minutiae, which he later presents to Greg in a special private ceremony that no one has ever witnessed.

Why is David Baddiel steering heavy machinery towards a representation of his childhood sweetheart? Why is Jo Brand destroying a large slab of confectionery? And why is Rose Matafeo curling up into a foetal position? Well, it's because they're all trying to impress Taskmaster Greg Davies.

With early-series nerves banished, our quintet of contestants are now waist-deep in the Taskmaster swamp. Today, David Baddiel shows a readiness to bare his chest and Katy Wix robs a piggy bank (of its undercarriage). Meanwhile, Greg Davies's gorgeous assistant Alex Horne is powerless in the face of Ed Gamble's creative vision.

The Taskmaster, Greg Davies, doles out more praise and derision for the efforts of the five comics attempting to win his gold-plated noggin. Jo Brand shows cowboys how to cowboy, Katy Wix tortures Alex Horne with the help of a garden arch and Rose Matafeo asks a stranger if they have a library card. Plus, a former champion makes a dramatic return.

Five episodes completed, five more to go as the five comics continue to compete for the honour of getting their sticky fingers on Greg Davies's regal golden head. Jo Brand demonstrates an impressive grasp of street slang, Katy Wix uses a long part of her body to steal something sweet and David Baddiel takes a sledgehammer to a tricky problem.

Alex Horne, The Taskmaster's assistant and general dogsbody, lures all five competitors to a remote wasteland for a challenge involving eggs and medical equipment. Meanwhile, David Baddiel spray-paints his face, Rose Matafeo sculpts some vegetables and Jo Brand reveals her stunning psychic superpowers. As always, Greg Davies is merciless in his views of the comics' efforts to please him. 

Taskmaster Greg Davies delivers angry appraisals and precious points from his comfy, custom-made throne. All the key areas of entertainment are covered in this episode: slapstick, singing, dancing, balloons and, of course, throwing one thing into another thing. Ed Gamble dons a baby's bonnet, Katy Wix makes Alex Horne wince and Rose Matafeo does a spot of screaming.

The five comics go undercover as they try to impress Taskmaster Greg Davies with their attempts at high-level espionage. Results, involving a white van, a newspaper and a paper cup, are mixed. Meanwhile, Greg's simpering secretary Alex Horne observes with barely concealed glee as Ed Gamble shaves his knees and Jo Brand finds an alternative use for her earring. 

Five comedians had one dream: to become the Series 9 Taskmaster Champion. Now it's the Grand Final and after nine gruelling episodes that precious dream is still alive for all of them - bar David Baddiel. One of the other four - Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, Katy Wix or Rose Matafeo - will be going home with Greg Davies's massive golden face tucked safely into an unassuming hold-all.