This week, TK and Elixir talk about a fandom favourite subject: Greg and Alex getting physical.
How many times do they touch one another per episode? Who initiates it? What KIND of touch is it? What are the trends in the data and what absolutely 100% science-based data-driven evidence-backed conclusions can be drawn?! Can we predict the future?!?!
And of course, what is the Elixir Points System? Tune in to find out.
This episode is all about contestant studio outfits, the fashion psychology of Taskmaster, and why Andy Zaltzman might actually be a wizard.
Also featuring: Podcast Cat, a spontaneous Julian Clary history lesson, and Fact or Fanfic returns!
Top Highlights from Episode 16: Some Kind of Animal Print:
Studio Costumes Deserve the Spotlight Apricot champions the underappreciated art of studio outfits across Series 16–18.
Julian Clary = Velvet, Camouflage, and Instant Icon Even if you don’t know him, you know. Also: his infamous 1993 comedy awards joke gets a rewatch and reappraisal.
Sam Campbell’s 50 Shades of Grey Nine grey outfits + finale chaos = intentional or insane? Either way, the Bart Simpson comparison stands.
Fashion Duel: Sue Perkins vs Susan Wokoma Sharp suits vs Ghibli dresses, empire waists, and that rose-covered finale outfit. Stunning.
Nick the Vampire
Zebra Print, Gold Pants & Sonic Sneakers Sophie Willan and Joanne McNally deliver the maximalist glam. Shiny, loud, and somehow it all works.
Andy Zaltzman: Dressing Like a Fever Dream Wizard robes, Roman armour, boxing gloves, snooker cosplay… then wearing it all at once in the finale. Art.
Emma Sidi & Jack Dee Slay (Very Differently) Emma brings fashion-forward chaos (trench coat dress, cowboy boot vest). Jack is suit perfection, never repeating a look.
Baba the T-Shirt Monarch 9/10 white T-shirts. One black. The anti-Zaltzman.
This week, TK is joined by… me! LottaSoup! Infamous author of, ahem, Daddy’s Little Screamer. *waves*
What an honour for them, eh?
We chat about all things fic-writing related, and I jabber about what it’s like being a Taskmaster fan in South Africa. We share our experiences of joining the Being Perceived Club, and caring for foster kittens, of all things. Oh, and I set a little quiz for TK which they… don’t do so great in. Soz, TK.
In this special episode of Transformative Taskmaster, TK chats with Dr Ali Struthers and James Blake-Lobb, co-heads of Taskmaster Education. From pineapples and prize tasks to university outreach and crocheted Alex Hornes, this lively conversation covers how Taskmaster’s joyful chaos is transforming classrooms across the UK.
In this episode, we cover:
What Taskmaster Education actually is — and how it helps build creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork
The difference between Taskmaster Club and School Tasking
How tasks are adapted for different age groups and learning environments
Real-world impact: boosting attendance, engagement, and student confidence
Collaborations with Kids Invent Stuff, Hannah Fry, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and more
The role of fan-made arts and crafts
Confirmation that Alex Horne is as kind and clever as we all suspect
Junior Taskmaster and its links to the education programme
What it’s like being a fan who now works in the Taskmaster universe
Listen now to hear how Taskmaster is inspiring the next generation of lateral thinkers – one loo roll tower at a time.
Look, we didn’t bring it up, but it seems James has a crush on New Zealand’s so-called ‘Taskmaster’. And thoughts on fanfic. Ali might have some too.
This week, TK is joined by Newt to talk about why Taskmaster hits different for neurodivergent fans.
From joyful weirdness to cringe-as-exposure-therapy, it’s a deep dive into how the show creates a uniquely kind, chaotic space for contestants and fans alike – plus some insights about the fandom from Germany!
In this ep, TK & Newt cover:
Taskmaster = ND-friendly TV: Fast edits, layered jokes, and low-stakes silliness? Ideal for overstimulated brains.
Failure is a feature, not a bug: Contestants succeed by embracing mess, not avoiding it.
The RPF is mutual: With Greg, Alex, and even contestants in on the joke, the fanfic vibes are strong.
Germany’s Taskmaster attempt, uh, flop: The 2017 pilots never aired, possibly due to… tonal mismatch?
Live Experience = healing chaos: Newt talks about turning personal anxiety into joy through Taskmaster’s live show.
Games section! Newt nails ‘What is it Alex has Been?’
This week, we’re diving into an episode that had it all: music, mayhem, monsters, and Mat’s near-perfect ballad destroyed by a single, rogue word. ☹ Plus, Rosie gets weirdly sexy with a balloon, Alex gets proposed to again, and we’re treated to both ghost stories and… goat stories?
Highlights from the episode:
Rosie’s singing voice: A beautiful surprise that wowed everyone.
Jason’s beat poetry: Not quite a song, not quite poetry… mostly… noise?
Mat’s song: Beautiful, heartfelt – and one word too long. TK threatens to cover it anyway.
Stevie’s downward spiral: A rough episode for her, from driving lesson chaos to nail-ruining breakdowns.
The Wow Monster: New Taskmaster lore drop! There’s a Monster Kingdom under the Taskmaster House. Naturally.
Greg and Alex in honeymoon mode: Cute, flirty, and a little deranged. What’s not to like?
Live task déjà vu: TK realises the final balloon-popping story task was also used at the NYC premiere and has the receipts.
Fatiha’s balloon phobia: A rare moment of real-world empathy and on-screen accommodation.
Mat throws the win to Stevie: An adorable moment of kindness amidst balloon carnage chaos.
Jason’s surprise victory: Complete with glitter dump and (by now fully expected) set destruction.
Bonus chaos:
Greg’s jazz hands monster impression.
Jason chucking a water bottle at Alex. (And then deciding he wants to marry him?!)
