Taskmaster legend announced as host for Bafta TV Awards – we’re already predicting carnage

Greg Davies And Little Alex Horne
This year’s TV Baftas will have an injection of humour with this Taskmaster legend (Picture: Channel 4)

When it comes to awards show hosts, there are a rare few who are capable of causing complete and utter mayhem.

Think Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes or Nikki Glaser’s piercing celebrity roasts – nobody is safe from a moment of hilarious awkwardness.

But for the 2026 Bafta TV awards, we’re predicting a new level of carnage after Greg Davies was announced as this year’s host.

Held on Sunday May 10 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, the ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.

But audiences across the UK should be bracing themselves for the towering funnyman, who is known for his distinctive comedic style.

To find out why we think the Taskmaster and Inbetweeners star will be a riot on the night, let’s take a look at some of his funniest moments to date.

That Graham Norton underwear story

There’s not many people, including Greg himself probably, who could have pictured the 57-year-old sitting on a sofa alongside Ryan Gosling, Jodie Foster and Russel Crowe.

But during an appearance on The Graham Norton show, Greg left the Hollywood trio in tears of laughter after telling a story that involved a curry, toilet and his mum’s nickers.

The Taskmaster star explained how this mishap was compounded by a bathroom emergency and a microphone that was still on, which broadcasted the entire ordeal to a classroom of hearing-impaired children.

Here’s to hoping Greg has got another hilarious story like this on the night of the Baftas.

Taskmaster

File photo dated 13/09/17 of Taskmaster host Greg Davies left and creator Alex Horne (right), who has said he has "a lot of respect" for the TV channel Dave for taking a risk on the comedy show. PA Photo. Issue date: Monday October 12, 2020. The programme sees comedians compete in a series of strange and surreal challenges. See PA story SHOWBIZ Horne. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire
Greg Davies hosts Channel 4’s Taskmaster alongside Alex Horne (Picture: PA)

Throughout his career, Greg has gained critical acclaim for writing and starring in several comedy sitcoms, from Cuckoo to Channel 4’s Man Down and BBC One’s The Cleaner.

But alongside his acting career, Greg has also enjoyed a stellar hosting career from Sky’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks to Channel 4’s BAFTA award-winning Taskmaster.

Presiding over Alex Horne, the comedy panel game show sees five comedians complete bizarre tasks with Davies judging their efforts to win points and a trophy.

Over the years there have been plenty of weird and wacky moments, from a 24-hour singathon to disloding a haemorrhoid.

But perhaps none are as memorable as when Mathew Baynton licked yoghurt off of a pair of shoes, which fans didn’t think could ‘legally be broadcast’.

Inbetweeners

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bwark Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock (5885459am) Greg Davies The Inbetweeners Movie - 2011 Director: Ben Palmer Bwark Productions UK Scene Still Les Boloss
The comedian as Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners Movie (Picture: Bwark Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock)

The 57-year-old writer, actor and comedian is no stranger to getting his kit off, as evidenced by his promise to be butt naked in a hot tub for Comic Relief in 2017.

But as Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners, Greg was seen going off the rails in the 2011 movie above.

Since the series aired, Greg has joked that he was ‘barely acting’ when he frequently terrorised Will McKenzie (Simon Bird).

But discussing his upcoming hosting gig at the Baftas, Greg added: ‘I am thrilled to be presenting the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises.

‘I see the whole event as an opportunity to wave a flag for this beloved medium and, with the exception of one commissioner, two execs and a co-star that I have personal beef with, I will do everything I can to ensure it’s a night of warm celebration for all.’

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Marion Curtis/StarPix for Avalon/Shutterstock (14401756m) Greg Davies "World Premiere of Season 17 of Taskmaster with Greg Davies and Alex Horne at Rodney's Comedy Club in NYC", Rodney's Comedy Club, New York, USA - 25 Mar 2024
The comedian said he is ‘thrilled’ to be hosting the Baftas (Picture: Marion Curtis/StarPix for Avalon)

Emma Baehr, executive director of Awards & Content at BAFTA, also said: ‘We’re excited to have Greg Davies hosting this year’s BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises.

‘His sharp humour, warmth and energy will set the stage for an unforgettable night honouring the very best in British television.

‘The ambition, craft, and sheer range of talent on-screen and behind it continues to raise the bar. We can’t wait to shine a spotlight on the creatives who defined 2025’s standout programmes.’

The Bafta 2026 Awards will air on Sunday May 10 on BBC One and iPlayer.

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