Taskmaster’s New Year Treat 2026 contestants announced, including lesbian Lioness legend Jill Scott

Contestants for Taskmaster’s New Year Treat 2026 have been announced, and lesbian former footballer Jill Scott is among the famous faces appearing on the smash-hit comedy programme.

Jill Scott is one of five celebrities on the New Year Treat show, which is returning for the festive period in a two-part special. This is the fifth instalment of the special, but the first to be aired in two parts.

The 38-year-old former footballer is no stranger to high-pressure competitions. She lifted the Euros trophy with the Lionesses in 2022. Shortly after the win, she announced her retirement from professional football.

However, this didn’t mean Scott was done with winning. She went on to be crowned 2022’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner. This made her the first LGBTQ+ woman to win the show.

She will be looking to continue her winning streak. However, first she must fight for host Greg Davies’ coveted Golden Eyebrows trophy.

Scott will be joined by Eurovision star Sam Ryder. The 36-year-old singer-songwriter memorably came in second place in the contest in 2022. He also became the highest-scoring UK entrant of all time with 466 points. 

Joining Scott and Ryder will be TV chef Big Zuu, EastEnders actress and Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis and Countdown’s Susie Dent.

As is typical for the annual show special, Davies will score the celebs’ efforts as comedian Alex Horne studiously watches over their challenges.

‘We have a special guest this series’

If you’re a Taskmaster fan, this isn’t the only good news from the show. A fourth Champion of Champions special is also set to air soon.

The special will feature Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, Mathew Baynton, and (spoiler alert!) season 20 winner Maisie Adam.

The special sees the previous winners embark on tests to win the ultimate prize, the golden body of Greg Davies.

Previously, the special spin-offs have been won by Mo Farah, Lenny Rush, Adrian Chiles and Shirley Ballas. 

Furthermore, season 21 of Taskmaster is set to air in 2026. Horne recently told Radio Times that there are two new things for the upcoming season.

“We’re filming somewhere as well as the house – somewhere that’s pretty mad,” he revealed.

“And we have a special guest this series from somewhere exotic who you’ll recognise. That’s all I can say.”

Details of Taskmaster’s New Year Treat and Taskmaster Champion of Champions are coming soon to Channel 4.