
Phil Ellis – Taskmaster Runner-Up and 2025-2026 Tour Guide
Phil Ellis is a name that has risen rapidly through the ranks of British comedy, propelled by a memorable run on Taskmaster Series 20 and a reputation built on award-winning fringe shows. He is a comedian, writer, and actor whose work spans live performance, television, and radio. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his career, his current tour, and what is known about his personal life, based on verified information from available sources.
Ellis is represented by Avalon Comedy and has built a profile through a blend of offbeat observations and physical humour. His recent television exposure has significantly broadened his audience, leading to his first full national tour.
Did Phil Ellis Win Taskmaster?
Phil Ellis on Taskmaster: Series 20 Performance
Phil Ellis appeared as a contestant on Taskmaster Series 20 on Channel 4 in 2025. According to available sources, including his official representation at Avalon, Ellis performed strongly throughout the series and became a fan favourite for his inventive, if chaotic, approach to the tasks.
Runner-Up Status and Reception
The answer to the central question is that Phil Ellis did not win Taskmaster. Reports indicate that he finished as the runner-up. Some sources, including a Taskmaster fan wiki, suggest he tied for first place overall but lost the final tiebreak. Regardless of the exact placement, his performance is widely credited with giving his career a major boost.
Available records from the Taskmaster fan community state that Phil Ellis tied for the top score in Series 20 but was defeated in the final tiebreak, meaning he officially finished as the runner-up.
He is now known for his self-deprecating humour and physical comedy on the show, and his Instagram bio now reads: “Taskmaster S20 runner-up/loser.”
What is Phil Ellis’s Tour Schedule for 2025 and 2026?
Phil Ellis: Bath Mat – National Tour Overview
Following his television success, Ellis launched his first full national stand-up tour, titled Bath Mat. This tour is a significant step in his career. According to his agent, Avalon Comedy, the tour “sold out immediately,” leading to the addition of extra dates due to high demand.
The tour is currently booking well into 2026. Confirmation of ongoing dates can be found on his official Instagram profile, which directly advertises “2026 tour BATH MAT.”
How to Buy Tickets and Venue List
Tickets for the Bath Mat tour are available through the official Phil Ellis website and individual venue box offices. Venues confirmed to host the tour include The Lowry in Salford.
Because the tour has been selling out quickly, it is advisable to check the official website or specific venue pages, such as The Lowry, for the most current availability and any newly added shows.
Is Phil Ellis Married? Dating, Wife and Personal Life
Phil Ellis’s Relationship Status: What We Know
Information regarding Phil Ellis’s personal life is very limited and not publicly documented in reliable sources such as his official biography, Wikipedia page, or reputable news interviews. There is no verified information confirming whether he is married, has a wife, or is in a relationship.
One source, a review of his 2024 show from squirrelcomedy.com, mentions material in which he speaks about returning to live with his parents after being dumped by his girlfriend. This is presented as part of a show narrative and cannot be taken as a verified biographical fact.
Phil Ellis Age and Height
Phil Ellis’s age is established through his Wikipedia entry, which gives his date of birth as 16 October 1981. This makes him 43 as of the start of 2025, turning 44 in October of that year.
His height is not confirmed in any reliable public source. Claims about his height circulating online are anecdotal and should not be considered established fact.
Early Life and Background
Born Phillip Michael Ellis on 16 October 1981, he is English. Detailed information about his early life, education, or family background is not publicly available.
Who Is Phil Ellis? Biography, Career and Awards
Early Career and Breakthrough
Ellis’s career breakthrough came with his fringe show Funz and Gamez. This show became a sleeper hit, eventually running at London’s Soho Theatre and being broadcast on BBC radio. For this show, he won the Edinburgh Comedy Award panel prize in 2014.
He is widely described as a “comedian’s comedian” with strong fringe credentials. His style is a specific blend of off-beat observational material and physical comedy.
Notable TV Credits: Drunk History, Taskmaster and More
His television credits are varied. He appeared on Drunk History: UK, The Russell Howard Hour, Roast Battle, and the sitcom There She Goes. He also starred in and co-wrote three series of his own BBC Radio 4 sitcom, Phil Ellis is Trying, which was nominated for a BBC Audio Award in 2019.
However, his appearance on Taskmaster in 2025 has been the most impactful in terms of mainstream recognition. For audiences discovering him through television, his style is often described as combining chaotic energy with clever writing. You can see his Glee Club performer page for more context on his live act.
Awards and Recognition
Ellis has a significant collection of awards. His 2023 show, Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show, was nominated for the Sky Best Comedy Show and won the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality. His agency, Avalon, confirms he has won the Malcolm Hardee Award twice overall, in addition to winning the ISH Comedy Award for Best Show.
He has been described by The Scotsman as a “multi-award winning ‘comic genius’.”
Career Timeline: Phil Ellis
A concise timeline of key events in his career, based on available records.
- 16 October 1981: Born in England.
- 2014: Wins the Edinburgh Comedy Award panel prize for Funz and Gamez.
- 2016: Appears on Drunk History: UK.
- 2019: His BBC Radio 4 sitcom Phil Ellis is Trying is nominated for a BBC Audio Award.
- 2023: Show Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show wins the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality.
- 2025: Contestant on Taskmaster Series 20; finishes as runner-up. First national tour, Bath Mat, begins.
- 2025–2026: Bath Mat tour continues into 2026.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Phil Ellis?
It is important to distinguish between well-documented facts and areas where public information is scarce or unconfirmed.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 16 October 1981 as Phillip Michael Ellis. | Marital status or confirmation of a partner/wife. |
| Runner-up in Taskmaster Series 20. | Height; no reliable public source provides a verified measurement. |
| Currently touring with the show “Bath Mat”. | A full, detailed list of every award and nomination throughout his entire career. |
| Co-hosts the Early Worm podcast. | Detailed biographical information about his early life, education, and family. |
| Winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award panel prize and multiple Malcolm Hardee Awards. | Specific details about his relationship status (dating, wife, partner). |
Background: Phil Ellis and His Comedy Style
Phil Ellis is an English comedian whose work sits at the intersection of physical comedy and offbeat observation. His rise is a classic example of fringe success translating to broader popularity. After gaining a loyal following with shows like Funz and Gamez, his profile was elevated significantly by his television appearances, particularly on Taskmaster. His agent describes him as a performer with “strong fringe credentials.” The recent expansion into a national tour marks a logical progression for a comedian who has now built a substantial audience beyond the festival circuit.
Sources and Key Quotes
The following quotes provide context for different aspects of his career and public image.
“Multi-award winning ‘comic genius'”
— The Scotsman, used on his official tour site and The Lowry event page.
“Phillip Michael Ellis (born 16 October 1981) is an English stand-up comedian, actor, and writer.”
— Wikipedia
“Taskmaster S20 runner-up/loser. Co-host @earlywormspod. 2026 tour BATH MAT Tickets on sale now!”
— Phil Ellis’s Instagram bio.
For a different perspective on comedy and entertainment, you might also read about Katherine Ryan – Biography, Net Worth and Career Highlights, another comic with experience on Taskmaster and a distinct style.
Summary: Who Is Phil Ellis and What Is Next for Him?
Phil Ellis is a multi-award-winning UK comedian who has successfully transitioned from fringe circuit acclaim to a broader public profile, driven largely by his runner-up status on Taskmaster Series 20. He is now on his first national tour, Bath Mat, which is running through 2026, and he co-hosts the Early Worm podcast. While his professional trajectory is well-documented, personal details such as his relationship status and height remain private. His immediate future involves continuing his tour and building on the momentum of his recent television exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phil Ellis’s comedy style?
Phil Ellis combines off-beat observational humor with physical comedy, often involving audience interaction.
Where is Phil Ellis from?
Phil Ellis is English, though a specific hometown is not mentioned in the provided sources.
Does Phil Ellis have a podcast?
Yes, he co-hosts the Early Worm podcast, as confirmed in his official Instagram bio.
What awards has Phil Ellis won?
He is described as “multi-award winning” and has won the Edinburgh Comedy Award panel prize and the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality, among others.
How can I buy tickets for Phil Ellis’s tour?
Tickets are available through his official website (philelliscomedy.com) and venue-specific pages like The Lowry.
What TV shows has Phil Ellis been on?
His TV credits include Taskmaster, Drunk History: UK, The Russell Howard Hour, Roast Battle, and There She Goes.
Who is Phil Ellis’s wife or partner?
This information is not publicly confirmed in reliable sources. His relationship status remains private.
What is Phil Ellis’s height?
His height is not listed on his official site or Wikipedia, and no verified measurement is available from the provided sources.