Alex Horne

TV Review: The Horne Section Television Programme

Horne doesn't feel like a natural front man for a conventional entertainment show - even though he looked the part until the camera panned down to reveal his gold trainers - but then again this wasn't a conventional entertainment show.

Regular guests at the 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown end of the comedy market, the Horne Section specialise in tolerable songs and spoofs. In this one-off they assume the spotlight, with guests including Nadine Coyle. Older relatives might allow themselves the odd small chuckle.

Taskmaster, which started as a comedy routine at the Edinburgh Fringe, has become the most popular show in Dave's admittedly short and unspectacular history -- such a success that another three series have been commissioned. That's good news for anyone who can't get enough of stand-ups and comic actors creating art with whipped cream or hurling dolls into trees.

It works because the five contestants, who this time include one-liner king Tim Vine and sitcom stalwart Liza Tarbuck, happily submit to the show's sadistic style. Watching them make fools of themselves is quite entertaining: seeing presenter Greg Davies mock and sneer at their efforts can be shamefully funny.

Creator of the concept, and butt of Greg's harshest jibes, is Alex Horne, who also oversees all the tasks. He understands the importance of a rigid format, and each episode follows a precise rhythm. It's possible to gauge almost to the second when he will make a self-conscious quip, or a jangling piano will introduce a clip to introduce the next task.

Eventually the format will become stale, changes will be introduced, and the whole thing will fall apart. For now, we can wallow in telly that manages to be inane, spiteful and hilarious at the same time.

The Horne Section Television Programme preview

When Dave commissions a proper series - and let's hope they do - an hour will be fine.

What is an Alex Horne Section?

From Taskmaster and The Button via Countdown, Alex Horne is ready (sort of) to take centre stage.

Taskmaster: TV's best comedy is back, bigger and better

The best comedy of 2017 is back - bigger and better than ever.

The daft panel show returns for a sixth series, with Greg Davies and Alex Horne doling out challenges both inane and insane. Alice Levine, Liza Tarbuck, Russell Howard, Tim Vine and Asim "Chabuddy G" Chaudhry are their victims, taking on lemons, wheelbarrows and orienteering in this opening episode.

Taskmaster Alex Horne on loving his job

"Comedy is so worthwhile, it makes people happy."

TV review: Taskmaster, Series 6, Dave

This programme is getting so popular it can only be a matter of time before Taskmaster becomes an Olympic sport.