Comic signed up for New Zealand version

Rose Matafeo is to compete in Taskmaster for a second time.

The Kiwi comedian and creator of the romcom series Startstruck appeared in the British version of the show in 2019, where she ended as runner-up.

And now she has also been named as one of the contestants in the seventh series of New Zealand version, starting later this month.

She said of the return to her homeland: ‘I had to pop home for a few things, so I thought I’d pick up the trophy while I was down there.’

Matafeo also hosted Junior Taskmaster for Channel 4, with  Mike Wozniak as her assistant.

She will become the first comedian to have competed in two separate series when the New Zealand version airs on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ from September 14.

The line-up also includes comics Dave Fane, Rhys Mathewson and Hoani Hotene, who has just had a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, and comedy actor Morgana O’Reilly, as recently seen in The White Lotus. They will all be trying to impress Taskmaster Jeremy Wells in tasks set by assistant Paul Williams.

Urzila Carlson will follow Matafeo’s achievement when series 6 of Taskmaster Australia airs next year – having previously competed in Taskmaster New Zealand series 2 in 2021

The Australian episodes have already been shot and also feature  Charlie Pickering, Frankie McNair, Shane Jacobson and Tom Walker.

Published: 1 Sep 2026