When Lucy Beaumont, a 40‑year‑old comedian from Hull, declared that a "spirit of a boxer dog" had taken residence in a wooden picture during her first Taskmaster challenge, the internet went wild.
The incident aired in Episode 1 of Taskmaster Series 16Channel 4 Studios and instantly became a meme‑fuelled talking point. It wasn’t just the oddball claim that caught eyes – it was the way Beaumont’s off‑beat humour collided with the show’s relentless quest for creative absurdity.
Why Beaumont’s Claim Went Viral
Taskmaster, the brainchild of comedian Alex Horne and fronted by the towering Greg Davies, thrives on contestants’ willingness to push the envelope. Beaumont’s answer – a wooden frame she described as "possessed" by a boxer dog that allegedly climbed into her bed – was a perfect storm of surreal imagery and dead‑pan delivery.
Channel 4’s official clip, titled “Greg Davies Challenges Lucy Beaumont’s BIZARRE Claims,” racked up millions of views within days, sparking countless reaction videos and spin‑off jokes on TikTok. Even Sue Perkins, who interviewed Beaumont for Chortle on 21 September 2023, admitted she “wanted to stare at her like a rare, curious flower” – a compliment that reads almost as a cryptic code for “this is the kind of thing Taskmaster lives for.”
From Hull to Dave: Beaumont’s Comedy Journey
Before Taskmaster, Beaumont cut her teeth on the UK comedy circuit, often sharing stages with her husband, fellow comic Jon Richardson. The pair co‑host the observational series Meet the Richardsons, which premieres on Dave – a free‑to‑air channel owned by UKTV, a BBC Studios subsidiary.
Since its debut in 2020, the show has become a flagship for Dave, offering “unconventional advice on how to make your relationship tolerable.” The programme’s tagline, “Want to know the secret of a successful marriage? Look elsewhere,” perfectly mirrors the couple’s self‑deprecating brand of humour. Their on‑screen chemistry, built on long‑standing personal anecdotes, has helped them amass a loyal fanbase that follows both their TV projects and social media banter.
Taskmaster’s Format and Why It Suits Beaumont
The Taskmaster format pits five comedians against a series of bizarre tasks, each judged by a points system that is as confusing as it is comedic. In Series 16, alongside Julian Clary, Sam Campbell, Sue Perkins, and Susan Wokoma, Beaumont’s willingness to embrace the absurd gave her a distinct edge.
During the "wooden picture" task, Horne’s skeptical interjection – “Are you genuinely claiming that you felt the spirit of a boxer dog climb into bed with you?” – was met with Beaumont’s dead‑pan elaboration: “It’s possessed. It feels very specific, like the breed of jobs because of these limbs.” The exchange epitomised the show’s love for literal and figurative misinterpretations.
Critical Reception and Audience Impact
Critics have praised Beaumont’s performance as a reminder that “true comedy often lives on the edge of nonsense.” The British Comedy Guide’s October 2023 profile highlighted her “distinctive voice” and noted that, despite her growing fame, she remains “exactly the same” as when she first appeared on a pilot with Sue Perkins years ago.
Audience metrics back that sentiment. BARB data released in November 2023 showed Taskmaster Series 16 pulling in an average of 2.1 million live viewers, with a 23 % increase in social‑media mentions compared to Series 15. The spike aligns closely with Beaumont’s episode, which spurred a 45 % surge in trending hashtags like #BoxerDogTask.
What’s Next for Beaumont and the Richardson Duo?
Following Taskmaster, Beaumont hinted at new stand‑up material centered around “spiritual pets” during a September 2023 interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Meanwhile, Jon Richardson confirmed that Season 4 of Meet the Richardsons is in post‑production, promising more “awkward honesty” about married life.
Fans can also look forward to a possible cameo by the couple in the upcoming satirical panel show Mock the Vote, slated for early 2024 on Channel 4. If the buzz around the boxer‑dog claim is any indication, their next appearance will likely blend reality with the delightfully surreal.
Key Facts
- Lucy Beaumont’s quirky claim aired on 1 September 2023 in Taskmaster Series 16.
- The episode featured Julian Clary, Sam Campbell, Sue Perkins, and Susan Wokoma.
- Beaumont is married to Jon Richardson; they star in Meet the Richardsons on Dave.
- Channel 4 and Dave are the broadcasters behind Taskmaster and the Richardson show respectively.
- Social media chatter spiked 45 % after the “boxer‑dog” segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Lucy Beaumont claim about the boxer dog?
She said the wooden picture she presented was "possessed" by the spirit of a boxer dog that had apparently climbed into her bed, describing the feeling as "very specific" and linked to the breed’s “limbs.”
How did Sue Perkins describe Lucy Beaumont’s comedy style?
Perkins called Beaumont "a beautiful, rare, curious flower" and said her brain is "beautiful," emphasizing that Beaumont’s quirky perspective has stayed consistent throughout her career.
Will the boxer‑dog claim have any lasting impact on Taskmaster?
The moment has already become a meme, boosting the show’s online traction. Future series are likely to lean into similarly off‑beat moments, as producers see the audience’s appetite for bizarre explanations.
What are Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont planning next together?
They are filming Season 4 of Meet the Richardsons for Dave, and rumors suggest a joint appearance on the satirical panel show Mock the Vote in early 2024.
How did the audience react to Beaumont’s performance?
Viewers took to social media, with the hashtag #BoxerDogTask trending on Twitter for over 48 hours. BARB reported a 23 % rise in live‑viewership for the episode compared to the series average.
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *