Taskmaster inspired Phil Ellis to have a hair transplant
Taskmaster star Phil Ellis has revealed how the Channel 4 show inspired him to get a hair transplant.
Phil Ellis was inspired to have a hair transplant after appearing on Taskmaster.
The 44-year-old comedian, who has spent almost two decades building up his reputation on the UK scene, gained widespread recognition after appearing on the hit Channel 4 show last year, and he has now opened up on his decision to undergo the procedure after seeing himself from all angles on television.
He told The Big Issue: "I loved being on Taskmaster.
"The only problem was that they have cameras set up at every angle imaginable, including the arch nemesis of the balding person, the bird's-eye view (famously used on busses to really let you know when it's time to consider shaving your head).
"Wow, what an eye-opener that was. I immediately booked a consultation with the very well-respected Manchester-based clinic, Crown Clinic UK... and I also bought a hat."
Phil revealed he'd "toyed with the idea of getting a hair transplant" before appearing on Taskmaster, but getting booked for series 20 presented a logistical issue.
He explained "The only time I would've been able to get the treatment would have been between the filming of the live tasks and recording in the studio.
"I thought it might be confusing for viewers if I was heavily balding in the tasks and then suddenly running my fingers through a lion's mane of luscious hair when it cut back to the studio."
Phil has been blown away from the response to his Taskmaster stint, which has "changed his life", leading to the biggest tour of his career.
He added: "I just hope I can continue to make people laugh and forget about their troubles for a while. There's really no feeling like knowing you've cheered someone up.
"There are exciting times 'a-head*' (*COPYRIGHT). I still have the bald spot on top so I may get that done in the future but for now, I look forward to being able to purse my lips and blow upward to push the long hair away from my eyes again, rather than just blowing in that direction to dry my tears."
Phil narrowly missed out on a Taskmaster win, tying in first place with Ania Magliano and eventually champion Maisie Adam, who won the tie-breaker.
