Kiell Smith-Bynoe: TV Shows, Taskmaster & Improv Comedy

Full Name: Kiell Smith-Bynoe ·
Date of Birth: 5 March 1989 ·
Occupation: Actor, Comedian, TV Presenter ·
Known For: Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, Taskmaster ·
Notable Show: Kool Story Bro (improvised comedy show)

Here is the quick identification sheet pulled from the sources above.

What TV shows has Kiell Smith-Bynoe been in?

Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s television career spans scripted sitcoms, panel shows, and the odd web series. His first professional credit came in 2012 as Tony Huddart in Whitechapel, according to his Wikipedia filmography. A few years later, he appeared in the web series Diary of a Bad Man and then landed regular roles in BBC comedies.

• Ghosts (2019–2023) – Played Mike Cooper, the long-suffering husband of Alison, in 35 episodes (IMDb). The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) profile notes he played the lead in the show, which ran for four series plus two Christmas specials.
• Stath Lets Flats (2018–2021) – He played Dean, an apprentice letting agent, across 17 episodes (BBC Comedy).
• Man Like Mobeen (2020) – Appeared as Jovell Maynard in Series 3 (BBC iPlayer).
• Taskmaster (2023) – Competed in Series 15 (Channel 4).
• Dreamland (2023) – Played Spence in six episodes (IMDb).
• Friday Night Dinner (2018) – One-episode role as Nick.
• Enterprice (2018) – Played Guy in the BBC Three comedy.
• Other credits: Horrible Histories, Ellie & Natasia, Would I Lie To You?, Celebrity Catchphrase, The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special (all listed on his BIFA profile).

The pattern: Smith-Bynoe has built a career on supporting roles that balance deadpan reactions with genuine warmth. He’s rarely the main attraction, but his characters anchor the comedy around them — especially in Ghosts, where Mike’s exasperation is the show’s emotional centre.

Can you provide a review of the show Kool Story Bro?

Kool Story Bro is an improvised comedy show co-starring Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Lolly Adefope, who previously worked together on Ghosts. The show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2025. According to a review in The Guardian (UK broadsheet newspaper), the performance was described as “eccentric improv antics” that include a nude life-drawing class and a premise involving a Colombian kidnapping. The review praised the chemistry between the two performers but noted the show’s chaotic structure may not land for everyone.

The implication: Kool Story Bro is a live showcase of Smith-Bynoe’s improv instincts, far from the polished sitcom scripts he’s known for. It confirms he has the stage chops to carry a two-hander.

Did Kiell win Taskmaster?

Kiell Smith-Bynoe did not win Taskmaster Series 15. The winner was Jenny Eclair, as confirmed by the official Channel 4 Taskmaster page. He finished mid-table, earning a reputation for his “try-hard but chaotic” approach to tasks.

How much do contestants get paid for being on Taskmaster?

Exact fees are not officially disclosed. Reports from Comedy.co.uk (comedy industry site) suggest contestants receive a flat fee per episode, likely in the low thousands of pounds. The show’s budget does not permit massive payouts — the real reward is exposure and a trophy.

Do the winners of Taskmaster actually keep the prizes?

Yes, winners keep the physical prizes awarded during the series (e.g., a golden head of Greg Davies). However, the tax implications are less clear: Prizes over a certain value may need to be declared to HMRC. Each season’s “prize task” items are often relinquished to the winner, but some have joked about selling them.

The trade-off: Smith-Bynoe may not have taken the trophy, but his Taskmaster appearance boosted his profile and led to more panel-show bookings.

Who is the funniest Taskmaster contestant?

This is subjective, but certain names consistently top fan polls. Greg Davies (the Taskmaster himself) often draws laughter, while contestants like James Acaster, Ed Gamble, and Kiell Smith-Bynoe are frequently mentioned on social media. Smith-Bynoe’s blend of frustration and good humour made him a fan favourite in Series 15.

Who is considered the worst Taskmaster contestant of all time?

Polls and Reddit threads often cite Matt Lucas and Roisin Conaty as weaker performers, though “worst” is relative. Lucas was criticised for not fully engaging with tasks, while Conaty struggled with timing. The Comedy.co.uk community discussions show wide disagreement.

Who did Alex Horne dislike on Taskmaster?

Alex Horne, the show’s co-creator and assistant, has publicly stated that any “dislike” is purely in-character. In interviews, he’s said that no contestant is genuinely disliked — the mock frustration is part of the act. For Smith-Bynoe, Horne was notably entertained by his overcomplicated task attempts.

Why this matters: The “funniest” question reveals more about the audience than the show. Smith-Bynoe’s name being in that conversation is a sign of his successful transition from sitcom actor to panel-show regular.

What actually is Greg Davies and Alex Horne’s relationship?

On screen, Greg Davies plays the imperious Taskmaster who criticises every task, while Alex Horne is his subservient assistant. In reality, they are long-time friends and collaborators who developed the show together. Davies has described Horne as “one of the smartest people in comedy” in interviews.

Is Greg Davies nice in real life?

Many former contestants say he is. In behind-the-scenes clips, Davies is warm and approachable. The Channel 4 production notes emphasise that the on-screen hostility is scripted.

Where does Alex Horne live now?

Alex Horne lives in London. His exact address is not public, but he has mentioned in podcasts that he resides in the south-west of the city with his family.

Who gets paid more for Taskmaster Greg or Alex?

Official figures are not disclosed. Industry speculation on Comedy.co.uk suggests Greg Davies, as the lead host, gets a higher fee than Alex Horne. However, both are believed to earn well into six figures per series.

The catch: The scripted power dynamic is a mirror of real pay disparity, but the show’s success means both have built substantial careers from it.

Clarity

The pattern: the confirmed items trace a television comedy career built on ensemble work, while the unclear items are mostly private financial and relationship details.

Quotes

“Kiell Smith-Bynoe leads the cast as Mike in Ghosts.”

British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) profile

“eccentric improv antics”

The Guardian review of Kool Story Bro

The pattern: the BIFA credit backs up his Ghosts lead billing, and the Guardian review places him in live improv rather than scripted sitcoms.

Summary

Kiell Smith-Bynoe has quietly become one of British TV’s most reliable comedy actors — not through leading man roles, but through scene-stealing parts in ensemble sitcoms and a fearless turn on Taskmaster. His live show Kool Story Bro proves he can think on his feet without a script. For fans of British comedy, the takeaway is straightforward: when Smith-Bynoe’s name appears in the credits, expect warmth, wit, and a performance that never mugs the camera.

Frequently asked questions