BAFTA nominated comedian, writer, and actor Rose Matafeo, and critically-acclaimed writer and performer Mike Wozniak have been confirmed to host and star in Channel 4’s brand new children-focused entertainment show Junior Taskmaster, which has recently been commissioned following the continuing success of ratings and critical hit Taskmaster.
Matafeo is set to assume the role of the mighty Junior Taskmaster to score the efforts and assign points to five plucky junior contestants as they complete a series of characteristically bizarre tasks that are designed to encourage and inspire wile, wit, creativity, and athleticism, as Wozniak diligently takes notes, records statistics and efficiently administers each and every task in the show that recognises genius at any age.
Rose Matafeo, The Junior Taskmaster said: “To be appointed as Junior Taskmaster is one of the greatest honours of my already wildly successful career. I am greatly looking forward to the power going to my head”.
Mike Wozniak, The Junior Taskmaster’s Assistant said: “All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a Little Alex Horne (or a regional manager for a major provider of motorway service stations) so this is literally a dream come true. I hereby vow to do my utmost to hold the office of Junior Taskmaster’s Assistant in the spirit of the original Little Alex Horne: with his courage, his grit and his dignity”.
Taskmaster is already watched by a broad multi-generational audience and in terms of profile was Channel 4’s youngest skewing series last year. In terms of audience share of young viewers (16-34) it is in the top three in the coveted 9pm slot, with Gogglebox and Derry Girls. Taskmaster is also hugely popular on Channel 4’s streaming service, where it is available for free and, since 2021, the average views per episode [0-7Days, O+O] have grown for the title with each series.’
Junior Taskmaster is produced by Avalon and Executive Producers for the series are Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, Andy Cartwright, Andy Devonshire, Alex Horne, James Taylor, and Jon Thoday. Mia Cross is Series Producer. Taskmaster is commissioned for Channel 4 by Tom Beck, Head of Live Events and Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, with Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Events.
Rose Matafeo picture: Andi Crown