Sir Stephen Fry returning to TV as one of headline interviewees in second series of The Assembly
After critical acclaim for the show’s format, Sir Stephen Fry will return to television screens as one of the headline interviewees in the second series of ITV’s The Assembly.
Sir Stephen Fry will return to television screens as one of the headline interviewees in the second series of ITV’s The Assembly.
The actor and comic, 68, is joining the show alongside a line-up that will include Nicola Sturgeon, 55, and Sir Lenny Henry, 67.
ITV confirmed the return of the format, which sees well-known figures subjected to direct questioning from a group of autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled interviewers.
Stephen Fry has built a decades-long career spanning television, film and literature, becoming one of Britain’s most recognisable cultural figures.
He rose to prominence in comedy alongside Hugh Laurie before establishing himself as a presenter, actor and author, with credits including QI, Blackadder and numerous bestselling books.
Alongside Stephen, Nicola Sturgeon, and Sir Lenny Henry, the line-up will include Anna Maxwell Martin and Aitch, with episodes airing from April.
The show, based on the French format Les Rencontres du Papotin, follows a first series featuring Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker.
ITV said the expanded run will include seven episodes, beginning with Stephen and Nicola, and that a further celebrity will be announced.
The format retains its central premise – no topic is off limits and no question is considered inappropriate.
A group of interviewers will again put questions directly to the guests in a setting designed to move away from conventional media interviews and press junkets.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s director of entertainment and daytime commissioning, said: “This line-up really does offer something for everyone - The Assembly’s no-holds-barred questions throw up all kinds of surprising revelations.”
The programme has drawn huge attention for its approach, which removes typical interview constraints and allows contributors to ask questions that might otherwise go unspoken.
ITV said the upcoming series will continue in the same style, with contributors encouraged to engage freely with guests across a wide range of subjects.
David Smyth, ITV’s entertainment commissioning editor, added: “The Assembly are raring to go and with such a unique mix of famous faces to interview, they will have a ball coming up with their next set of questions. These celebrities really do need to be ready for anything.”
The first series received critical acclaim following its release, and remains available to stream on ITVX and STV Player. The second series will air on ITV in April.
