Alex Horne Interviews SUE PERKINS | Series 16 | Taskmaster

Series 16 contestant, Sue Perkins is interrogated by Alex Horne as she attempts to paint his portrait.
Series 16 starts Thursday 21st September on Channel 4.
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In this Broadcast Award-winning, BAFTA and Emmy Award-nominated entertainment show, Taskmaster tyrant Greg Davies (Man Down, Cuckoo), with the help of his loyal assistant Alex Horne (The Horne Section and the show’s creator), sets out to test the wiles, wit and wisdom of five hyper-competitive comedians.
Comedians that have risked life, limb, and dignity in the hope of making the Taskmaster proud so far include: Frank Skinner (The Frank Skinner Show), Mel Giedroyc (The Great British Bake Off), Romesh Ranganathan (Asian Provocateur), Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered), Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones’ Diary), Rose Matafeo (Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner 2018), and Russell Howard (The Russell Howard Hour). Unaware of what awaits them in each wax-sealed envelope, only one competitor can become the victorious owner of His Royal Task-ness’ golden head and be crowned the next Taskmaster Champion.

[@kierancarter5639]

I’m lucky enough to know Sue on a professional basis; I’m a cellist, and she’s a fantastic conductor in amongst her busy schedule, and such a genuine musician (albeit unfortunately very self deprecating as she’s such a perfectionist). I haven’t got enough superlatives to describe her - she’s a perfect person, and SO FUNNY. Her wit is always razor sharp. She’s brought me to tears laughing countless times, yet is always so kind and warm. I’m unbelievably excited to watch her! Remember when watching, she’s exactly the same in real life as she is on TV. A legend!

[@csurname]

ooh, I saw her on "Maestro" (2008), didn't know she'd kept it on

[@keithpanton7486]

Sue Perlatives, surely. :) Always lovely to hear that anyone who seems lovely on TV is actually lovely.

[@kierancarter5639]

⁠@@keithpanton7486 Ah so gutted I didn’t spot that! She really is a delightful human being.

[@algae0]

@@keithpanton7486 Perfection🤌

[@franciet99]

How sweet of you!

[@blackvulture7999]

Alex's "yes" after hearing that nobody could be better as Taskmaster's assistant is precious.

[@jabbawabs]

After sixteen series of hard work, Alex's whistle has finally lost the will to live.

[@rlosangeleskings]

You mean the pea is out of his whistle???

[@CucumberpatchAddict]

ran out of effort

[@AH-te5gs]

@@rlosangeleskings Alex pees out of his whistle?

[@bondfool]

Sounds like a hawk.

[@Faronwoodss]

Favorite clip

[@SCMelArts]

"I'd like you to only refer to yourself in third person." "I do anyway." This bodes well

[@armcie5080]

Did I cover myself there?

[@jonhohensee3258]

THIRD person

[@SCMelArts]

@@jonhohensee3258 You're right. Valuable lesson about the importance of wearing glasses when typing!

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​@@SCMelArtsAh, but without glasses, mayhem and hilarity may ensue.

[@SCMelArts]

@@daniellamcgee4251 True, but more than once it has led me to some unforced spelling errors

[@rubydown3329]

All of these portraits have been far better than ive expected tbh Artistic bunch!

[@Elwaves2925]

Yeah, I was thinking that too.

[@jonhohensee3258]

Sue's was bad.

[@junbh2]

@@jonhohensee3258 Sue's was good for a random no artist

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@junbh2 It was terrible. The stuff that nightmares are made of.

[@travelphotos7662]

I was thinking similarly. Far better than I could do...I would be there for the allocated time trying to figure out how to start,

[@mrs_g7168]

So pleased Sue is finally on Taskmaster! Just love her! I actually squealed with excitement when she was revealed as a contestant 😂

[@keithpanton7486]

Sure comes across as just happy to be there and enjoying the experience.

[@algae0]

@@keithpanton7486 A real Mel. Will she get her own cheerfulness montage?

[@razielsfire3204]

Me too! Can’t think of anyone else I’d like to see more on it 😊

[@Debilitator47]

I learned of Sue Perkins through this series, and the pairing of her and Susan as a team is so amazing.

[@Tao_Tology]

It's quite touching to realise that, twice a year, there are a whoooooole bunch of people who were at the live studio filmings, already know who won (or was likely to) but ........ ......no one spoils the ending. Many thanks, audience folk. Sometimes the true strength is staying silent. 👍🏻

[@ManWalksDogs]

yeah saw somewhere on TM-based internet that s17 live shows start recording next Monday (I think it was), so those attending those won't have any clue about the s16 shows that are going out at the same time (unless they are serial audience members) but will already know at least one or two episodes worth of spoilers that they will have to sit on 'til the following spring series. As you say, given that they must be massive TM fans to go to those lengths, it must be some bind to then have to keep all that insider gossip to themselves (as they won't know what makes the edit at that point, so it's not like they can only mention the stuff they don't then use).

[@AH-te5gs]

Three times if you include the NY treat.

[@beemoh]

@@ManWalksDogs Pretty sure they'll know the S17 lineup before we do, too :P

[@headlessnotahorseman]

Sue Perkins won, but not by much.

[@ManWalksDogs]

@@beemoh ha yes, a spoiler in itself. I presume bookies don't offer odds on future line-ups for this reason...

[@cindiwarnier4759]

I would have loved to see Jenny Eclair doing this task - she would have been going bonkers 😂

[@csurname]

and made a masterpiece

[@88porpoise]

I was thinking Rhod, he would probably cover Alex in paint and shove his face into the canvas

[@R4rd]

Alex should do an interview with a contestant asking only iconic Taskmaster-questions! "Do we strike you?" "How much does water weigh?" "Which Aircraft crashes more into mountains?"

[@bootieos7701]

When is a step not a step?

[@A-Wild-Frost]

Is the word 'banana' written on a sign considered to be a banana?

[@gillianboate]

Fantastic idea! Is there a list going anywhere? We could also hope to submit it to TM folk who might do reddit AMAs, and see how long it takes them to get the reference?!

[@isitfiction]

Are we the meat, are we the viewer?

[@summerforestfairy]

Am I the spider?

[@MeredithWhitfield]

it's so sweet to see the little mannerisms and turns of phrase that mel and sue share-especially from when mel had to do the goldfish bowl task and commentate on herself in third person

[@FilbieTron]

I do miss the golden age of bake off with Sue and Mel…Moment of silence 🥺

[@ironwhy]

Thank you for the reminder. I forgot that they had to do that in season 4. Do you think that Alex might have come up with this part of the task to refer to Mel without Sue knowing about it?

[@MarkPentler]

It's all about Late Lunch @@FilbieTron

[@MeredithWhitfield]

@@ironwhy I feel like if Alex had worn a tie, that would have really brought the reference home :)

[@StuffLikeJuda]

didn't even know they had worked together, but while watching Sue do this task I was very much reminded of Mel's way of speaking. interesting, to say the least!

[@bbrockert]

The implication of the task is that Alex is framed as art and the interviewee is tasked with duplicating that framed scene. But in every one of these the frame is facing Alex, showing the real truth that the interviewee completing the task is the art and is purely for the benefit of Alex, like the rest of the show, and we as the actual "third person" are only seeing the scene obliquely.

[@JLF201]

It is almost as if you didn't watch the one with Julian.

[@Tao_Tology]

Taskmaster crew: Yeah, that's what we meant.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​​@@jamescorrigan6063 You haven't noticed that every detail of Taskmaster is deliberately chosen? 🤔 Curiouser, and curiouser!

[@spicybiscuit88]

Huh! Did not notice that. Slightly creepy - I like it.

[@radicalpaddyo]

Alex must be pretty pleased with his comedian bingo card right now

[@AlbertSquareAfterDark]

Sue is my early bet for winner. She’s got just the sort of mind for this show. I’ve wanted her to do it for years.

[@lostalone9320]

Fun and creative, but sensible.

[@anufoalan]

The wildly creative ADHD brain of Rhod Gilbert, the calculated Intelligence of Dara O’Brein, with just a dash of sheer mania

[@SCMelArts]

She's been on my TM wish list for years. Next we need Gyles Brandreth for a New Year's Treat

[@anufoalan]

@@SCMelArts oh sweet Jesus, it would be chaotic, but it would also end up being twice as long as a regular series, instead of a new years special because he won’t stop talking (I’m personally hoping for Toksvig now but I feel that’s unlikely)

[@SCMelArts]

@@anufoalan She would be so good!!

[@highdesertRN]

I cannot wait to watch Sue Perkins. I’m feeling such anticipatory glee for this season and anticipatory melancholy that there are only 10 episodes.

[@ScubaFanatic60]

Better than the first few seasons with only 5 episodes!

[@eddieboyky]

Thus far, she has done the best with this interview. Everyone else has been awkward, but her confidence was so entertaining. I am so looking forward to this new series.

[@lostalone9320]

Well, once you've worked with Mel, you're ready for anything.

[@batll0]

Yes!! The moment she walked into the interview (field) so confidently I was like, oh yes, she's ready for anything. And I really enjoyed her in the episode. (I knew I'd enjoy Julian and he was amazing, but Tom was also a delightful surprise - I found him really difficult to get a read on in his interview beyond 'awkward' but I'm loving it in the show). Can't wait for the rest of the series!!

[@erazn9077]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@batll0i’m guessing you meant to say Sam not Tom but either way yeah absolutely agree

[@nicholashetherington3228]

So looking forward to Sue Perkins this season!

[@matthewmonkey9934]

Only reason to watch. The other 4 are irritating

[@DJChamber]

Yeah, really looking forward to her this season too!

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

I love how overly confident people can be about speaking in the third person throughout an interview

[@TheUberjammer]

I think you mean "He loves".

[@mariekek9934]

In contrast to Lucy who was completely flustered.

[@glockenrein]

Sue’s better than others though. 😂

[@ironwhy]

What do you mean? (You think it brings out something they normally would not say? - I think it might do that with "normal" people but I doubt it changes much with someone who is used to give interviews and speak on stage...)

[@jeremymlad]

@@ironwhy I think you've misread it. rather than 'overly confident people" try it as "I love how people can be overly confident about..." and your question might be answered. It can be read both way I'll admit, but one leads to your confusion, and the other leads to what OP meant. I also understand your confusion on this comment on THIS video, because I would also usually class Sue Perkins as an "overly confident people".

[@popcornpretzel6720]

I will never not be gay for Sue Perkins

[@Seakat86]

Solid agree 😂

[@SCMelArts]

Her episode of the Off Menu podcast remains one of my favorite podcast episodes ever

[@eloquentlyemma]

The correct answer is ‘yes’.

[@Jambobist]

@@SCMelArts That hot tub story was one for the ages.

[@Tao_Tology]

-Sue Perkins- Super Kins 1:18 He said the thing!

[@krislewis1114]

I want someone to look at me the way Sue looks at porridge

[@Cimlite]

Only in the mornings?

[@TiltyBird]

I AM SO ABSOLUTELY STOKED FOR A FULL SERIES OF SUE.

[@GoggledAgog]

Sue persists, that's similar to what my doctor said when he was assessing my lumps

[@ananth.a]

Nice one. Got me in splits

[@cyberwomble7524]

@@ananth.a In your... sounds painful.

[@razielsfire3204]

Can’t believe we finally get Sue on this wonderful show! A match made in heaven -yay 🎉

[@q00u]

The lineup for this new season is so good

[@algae0]

As always!

[@h0lly_blue]

can't wait to see how contrasting Sue will be to her partner in crime Mel "Gang" Giedroyc

[@rw4578]

I love Sueperkins immensely! That apron she wears is awesome as well, can't wait to watch the episodes. I've been wanting her on TM since the very start, she is one of my favourite people in the world. Mel was wonderful and now we get to enjoy Sue as well, excellent stuff.

[@cwstevens71]

So far, it seems this series will be pretty good.

[@christinaribbens4597]

Shout out to the team for setting up the easel at the right angle for a lefty 🙌

[@pixelfrenzy]

In landscape mode even though they're asked to paint a portrait... didn't see anyone yet who rotated it 90 degrees.

[@algae0]

@@pixelfrenzy because they're meant to include the landscape seen within the frame!

[@pixelfrenzy]

@@algae0 haha... OK, the whole task is wrong

[@Seakat86]

Best one yet, picture and interview. I love Sue!

[@irenebecker4815]

You mean "Seakat86 loves Sue".

[@rdear]

Ron is quite looking forward to watching Sue in the new series

[@DocTwoEight]

We're being spoiled with upload after upload and I love it.

[@speakatron5634]

About time! Looking forward to this series! However, I look forward to every series.

[@BD-yl5mh]

Alex was easily the most lenient on Sue for the 3rd person stuff. A good dozen ‘I’s’ went through to the keeper

[@henrietta9206]

too passive-aggressive to keep correcting, I agree 😔

[@luckyystrikerr]

Fingers crossed for Sue Perkins to take the trophy this series! She’s been on my wish list for ages!

[@quinnrhodes3617]

Alex is notably NOT wearing a tie in this clip, despite speculation that he would afford Sue the same tie-reverence that he gave Mel!

[@themoonsevilsister1561]

until now I've never heard someone use the word "bonnie" outside of a ballad this person's awesome

[@simontay4851]

I think its a scottish word. You don't hear it much in England.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

'Bonny' is a Scottish word, no longer much in common usage. Sue Perkins has a fondness for words, (and the correct application of a semicolon); she studied English at Cambridge University.

[@francesca9423]

@@simontay4851 it’s also common in northern English. You hear it loads in the north east

[@themoonsevilsister1561]

@@daniellamcgee4251 ye I love Scottish ballads so I've heard it a lot, it seems to mean something like "beautiful" because they're always saying "bonny lassie" and "bonny lad"

[@ladyflimflam]

@@themoonsevilsister1561 Bonny has several meanings, one of which is beautiful, but Sue is using it here to mean cheerful or happy

[@kellyo101]

This is going to be such a delightful season. I'm giddy with anticipation.

[@iamaspleen]

Sue Perkins might be too powerful

[@wernt0]

2:10 I like the different camera angles for each word

[@Bebop17]

Ok I have never been more excited for a contestant since James Acaster… she seems amazing

[@HoojipIsHere]

6:27 if I'd been asked that I'd have said Paul Williams without hesitation just to see the look on Alex's face

[@youremakingprogress144]

I've loved Sue Perkins since seeing her on QI for the first time. I'm very excited for this series.

[@RaverHates]

Ohhhh! I'm looking forward to Sue Perkins on Taskmaster! I love how so far only 1 person has said no to Alex's late requests

[@randomactpg57]

I've been waiting for a long time to see Sue on Taskmaster, so excited.

[@kellyheidel4337]

Kelly can’t wait for this series to start!

[@christylawson4099]

I adore Sue Perkins and cannot wait to see the series. She is amazing!!!

[@cannibalbananas]

I love meeting contestants I'm unfamiliar with. Sue's voice reminds me of Emma Thompson. I look forward to getting to know her personality

[@glockenrein]

I’m really looking forward to Sue. She’s so easy to like.

[@phuttyyt]

I know it's an obvious comparison to make, but she's so going to be the Mel Giedroyc of this series, isn't she? I can't wait.

[@who_Is_faten_helmi]

She's such a kind and lovely person, overall a sweetheart and the only one who didn't insult Alex or choose another Taskmaster assistant.

[@ironwhy]

I really do not understand how you can compare these people to "old" contestants. - Especially if you still did not see how they perform on the show... Sue has such a very differnt "vibe" to me than Mel. - I do not think they are alike at all.

[@jonhohensee3258]

I don't think she'll be like Mel at all.

[@BethanyLowe8773]

More like a Liza Tarbuck. Quite blunt and forthright straight out of the box.

[@EricaGamet]

@@BethanyLowe8773 100 percent this.

[@myradutkiewicz9739]

Best portrait so far!

[@CucumberpatchAddict]

i love that he can't wind her up. LOVE IT.

[@josipmartincic2488]

The fish sausage comment makes me hopeful that we get the make a sausage task from New Zealand

[@ManWalksDogs]

i'm sure i'd heard on the pod that this(?) series contains the first task that originated from an international version (and i think it was let slip that it was NZ); it might have been one of the pods that had someone off TMNZ, which would make sense. ...Looking back at the pod eps, my guess would be this one: Ep 130. Chris Parker - S15 Ep.7 May 11, 2023

[@markstamp3937]

We've already had the eat the grape task from tmnz somewhat replicated in tmuk

[@lillianchristie25]

eeee been waiting for hers helloooo love of my life sue perkins

[@IvanaV_]

Superkins!

[@jl7998]

I'm so excited to see Sue Perkins on series 16!

[@mindyowens6676]

Alex's little "Yes" was hilarious

[@covboy70]

So looking forward to Sue Perkins on Taskmaster!!

[@TheDrugOfTheNation]

Sue: Those really are muscly fingers. BP advert: Double your points.

[@Sethleavescomments]

I think Sue is the contestant I'm most excited about.

[@nohandle508]

I've been waiting for Sue for ages, thank you!! ❤

[@NailahRoberts]

So happy Sue's on this series.

[@aliflanagan7669]

Im so excited for the new season omg!!!

[@ollienware]

Disappointed to see Alex isn't wearing a tie for Sue like he did for Mel.

[@StellaKnights]

I think the most entertaining part about Sue will be when she has an emotional breakdown during a task , I much prefer the neurotic , chaotic Sue :-)

[@JacktheRah]

For saying she can't paint the painting was at least representative of a human being.

[@retcon1991]

How does Sue only look better as she ages?

[@gupwalla961]

Sue Perkins, the One and Only! I seldom get music references.

[@a.i.privilege1233]

I'll have you know that fingers have no muscles Alex.

[@TK-ux5du]

Funnily enough, I had never realised before, but Sue's right, Alex is like porridge in human form. Super Cysts!

[@praalgraf]

incredibly excited for her this season

[@MedEvil1c]

i wonder who selects the different art supplies for contestants. lots of variety

[@PandaPandora777]

So so soooo excited to see Sue on TM!!!

[@Page5framing]

No tie for Sue. I guess there is only one person who Alex will wear a tie for.

[@ResettisReplicas]

The final contestant’s interview isn’t out yet, so it may change my mind, but first impression is that Sue will win. She seems to be the most “on” in this, immediately snapping into task mode, and this is probably AFTER a long day of filming tasks that’ll count for points.

[@EricaGamet]

My money is on Sue... she thinks out of the box... that being said, she's also very nice and says she's not competitive. And I can see her losing a task because she gets the giggles or something. Either way, she is the one person I've been hoping to see on TM for about 5 years now!

[@lillianjanky9211]

That’s crazy, I think of mashed potatoes when I look at Alex which is very similar to porridge.

[@danteschrotenboer8992]

I like Sue's vibe so far. prediction series 16 champion?

[@anon0815de]

Super Kins 🎉

[@Peteroranje]

What a great line-up!

[@adamcj73088]

We need an episode or series where Alex and Greg are contestants. Rhod Gilbert or David Mitchell as acting taskmaster and Joe Wilkinson as co host

[@patriciaitalia]

I'm really looking forward to this season. Sue is a gem.

[@Eunathe]

Watching this, in the afternoon, eating porridge.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Superkins! ❤

[@theyearwas1473]

Sue throwing a deep cut with the League of gentlemen joke.

[@QuantumHistorian]

It's like they're bringing the _Just A Minute_ gang back together

[@ConnbineHarvester]

6:30 "Can you think of anyone who'd be better at being the Taskmasters assistant?" Mel Giedroyc

[@slormborg9101]

Have you considered adding subtitles to your videos? The autocaptions aren't amazing and it would help more people enjoy these videos

[@diamocome]

i can’t believe sue somehow turned out to be the most normal this season

[@iyaiya5332]

Love! Love! Love! Sue Perkins!!!❤❤❤

[@VITALSPARKMEDIA]

I’m so excited for Sue! Her task outfit is military style like Mel. 😍

[@johndenverfan]

Can't Wait Alex and Greg Are Brilliant

[@happivaras]

That is a pretty good picture, ears are a bit high but hey great work

[@leiferickson3183]

Her picture of the face is really good!

[@alleeum]

“Sue Per-gins, Sue persists.”

[@caesarsalad77]

I feel like Sue's going to be an absolute winner this season.

[@bluejadeblue]

can't believe it took this long for the whistle to give out on us

[@Bman1878]

Nice to see Sue wearing a very similar outfit to that which Mel wore during her time on Taskmaster.

[@bendaniel2271]

Sally Gunnel uses a funnel

[@jessesutton7985]

Alex enjoys toying with Sue's name, and for some reason it really sticks with me. Now it's Super Kins, Sue Persists. I'd say she was being too critical, once again for a 10minute drawing done under duress it's certainly recognizable as Alex, and the goofy hand was requested.

[@mothersuperior6751]

Sue Perkins.!! Brilliant.

[@irisblue2332]

Seems like Alex didn't push her hard at all on the 3rd person slips

[@Effaly_]

I never heard of Sue Perkins before, but I'm already in love with her. She seems delightful!

[@cupguin]

There were a few Mel and Sue jokes back in the fourth season aimed at Mel Giedroyc which was their name when they worked as a doubles act.

[@iliketrains3495]

​@@cupguinyep, it's a nice little Easter egg when contestants are referenced in past seasons before they were on the show. Other examples are Josh asking Fred The Swede if he likes Claudia Winkleman (and I think one of Morgana's prize tasks involved her too) and Jamali thinking that the Taskmaster was Dara O'Briain

[@Zach90888]

@@cupguinthere’s an outtake where Joe Lycett actually came up with the Mel and Shoe joke in episode one Then Greg nicks it Then Alex takes it in the edit

[@dgpatter]

She’s a delight. And in the UK, she’s one of the most famous people to ever be a contestant. She’s Bob, Mel, Dara level.

[@EricaGamet]

Oh my gosh, do you have a rabbit hole to go down... and "delightful" is a very apt description of her!