**Taskmaster Creator Alex Horne Brings Laughter and Competition to Oxfordshire Care Home**
Renowned comedian and creator of the hit television series Taskmaster, Alex Horne, delighted residents at a care home in Adderbury, Oxfordshire, by hosting a series of inventive challenges modelled on his popular show. The visit, which brought together fun and friendly rivalry, marks a unique extension of the spirit of Taskmaster beyond its usual celebrity format.
Four residents eagerly took part in the specially designed tasks, showcasing their wit, creativity and enthusiasm. Among the challenges set by Horne were identifying objects associated with pineapples, a test of time perception requiring participants to raise their hand when they believed a minute had passed, and a dexterity challenge moving sweets from one plate to another using only a straw. The grand finale tasked the competitors with constructing the tallest tower possible from spaghetti and marshmallows, a test that demanded both engineering skill and teamwork.
Reflecting on the event, Alex Horne expressed just how much the experience resonated with him. “I’ve done Taskmaster everywhere imaginable – schools, pubs, scout huts and boardrooms – and I’ve judged over a hundred comedians on television,” Horne explained. “But this session with the care home residents will stay with me. The contestants approached each challenge with extraordinary competitiveness and came up with impressively creative solutions to the problems I set. It genuinely was one of the most memorable sessions I’ve ever hosted.”
Among those taking part was 100-year-old Ruth Johnson, who admitted some initial uncertainty about the nature of the games. “At first I didn’t know what was expected of us, and I wondered what we’d need to do with all of that spaghetti,” she recalled with a smile. Ruth was quick to recognise Horne’s approachable nature, joking, “Alex was so nice. I thought I had met him before, but I think I just knew him from the television.”
The initiative was welcomed with enthusiasm by staff at Seccombe Court, the care home which played host to the event. General manager Wojciech Kuczkowski commented: “Our residents are big fans of Taskmaster, and we wanted to bring a bit of that magic right to their doorstep. The competitive spirit on display was wonderful to see, and every participant gave it their all. We’re very grateful to Alex for making the day so special and bringing everyone together.”
Taskmaster, initially conceived as a live show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010, has enjoyed immense success on television. First broadcast on Dave in 2015, the show made the leap to Channel 4 in 2019, captivating audiences with its trademark blend of quirky challenges and irreverent humour. It sees five celebrities per series vying to outdo each other in increasingly bizarre competitions, with Horne himself acting as the ever-present assistant to Taskmaster Greg Davies.
This latest adaptation of the show’s format highlights the far-reaching appeal of Taskmaster’s playful approach to competition. By bringing the challenge-based entertainment directly to care home residents, Horne and the care home organisers demonstrated the power of inclusive events to foster community spirit and joy, regardless of age.
Observers praised the event not just for its entertainment value but also for promoting active engagement and mental stimulation among participants. Such creative initiatives within care homes are becoming increasingly recognised for their positive impact on residents’ wellbeing, helping to build confidence, encourage social interaction and add variety to daily routines.
Alex Horne’s visit may have been brief, but it left a significant impact on those involved, proving that the essence of Taskmaster – embracing fun, unpredictability and imagination – translates far beyond the television screen. As Horne’s creation continues to inspire, this care home competition stands as testament to the enduring appeal of light-hearted challenge and camaraderie at every stage of life.
With Taskmaster expanding its reach, it seems there are few settings that couldn’t be improved by a little lateral thinking and a lot of laughter – whether you’re a television celebrity or a care home resident ready to take on the next challenge.