Kiell Smith-Bynoe to take their place

Taskmaster’s Champion of Champions is returning – but without Mae Martin taking their rightful place in the line-up.

The Canadian comic was busy building a career in the US when the special was recorded – so has entrusted their place to  series 15 runner-up Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

The Ghosts star will join the winners of the previous four seasons – Dara O Briain, Morgana Robinson, Sarah Kendall and Sophie Duker – in the special.

Series 15 champ Martin 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. I have sent some surprises so that my presence is felt. Good luck Kiell, I am holding my breath from the U.S. and rooting for you.'

Smith Bynoe added: ‘As if it wasn’t enough pressure representing the whole of black Britain in series 15 now I have to represent the entire nation of Canada in Champion of Champions. I’ve never even been. I didn’t even win my series. 

‘Look, I’ll try all right…

One of the comedians will take home a lifesize statue of Greg Davies’s body to go with the gold head they won in their series. Or didn’t in  Smith-Bynoe’s case.

Broadcast details have not yet been announced for the third Champion of Champions – but it will follow the New Year Treat special airing on Channel 4 on January 2.

Taking part in that one-off are  Deborah Meaden from Dragons' Den, musician  Kojey Radical, teenage actor Lenny Rush, adventurer and wildlife expert Steve Backshall and radio and TV presenter  Zoe Ball.

Taskmaster’s previous  Champion of Champions are Josh Widdecombe (from series 1-5) and Richard Herring (series 6-10).

The news comes the day after it was revealed that plans are afoot for a new Taskmaster live experience if 100,000 fans show their interest...

Published: 14 Dec 2023