Residents living in a West London neighbourhood, which is also home to one of TV’s most famous houses, have said they often see celebrities filming on their home turf. Residents in Chiswick also often spot places near their homes featured in episodes of Channel 4’s Taskmaster. They add that it is no surprise that producers pick the leafy area to film in because it is extremely pleasant and well-connected.
MyLondon asked people on either side of Chiswick Bridge across the Thames what life was like living next to a now iconic location. But, despite living right next to the property, many surprisingly said they were completely unaware of both the building - located next to Chiswick Rugby Golf Club - and the laughs it produces for millions around the world.
But others revealed whilst watching Taskmaster, they spot local areas very familiar to them, such as portions of the Thames, clubhouses and gyms. Some have also bumped into and even catered for celebrities during shoots of scenes for other shows.
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Taskmaster is a preposterous game show, the first series being broadcasted on Dave in 2015. The format has since been purchased by Channel 4, and each episode features a group of five well-known comedians completing silly challenges set in theory by the Taskmaster, Greg Davies, but in reality by the creator of the premise, Alex Horne.
Liam Gilligan, 35, holding manager of The Ship pub, said: “I haven’t really seen any filming [of Taskmaster], but because we’ve had Disney+ filming in the brewery next door, we see a few people on occasion from the film set, including Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham.
“They’ve used the pub as a dressing room when filming bits near the river - that was quite fun. Other than that, we’re just a lovely pub next to Chiswick Bridge with lovely views.”
Adam Reed, 41, works as a chef and is a big fan of Taskmaster. But he too says he has not been fortunate enough to spot the show being filmed. Whilst on a walk with his puppy Sidney, he said: “The area’s lovely, I’m very fortunate to live in this part of London, but I’m not that close to the Taskmaster house itself.
“I’m quite a big fan of the show, I enjoy it a lot. But I haven’t been lucky enough to see anything when they film. I watch the show and often walk past it.” Mr Reed added that he often sees locations he is familiar with used in episodes. He said: “There’s a ridge of the Thames where the contestants shouted across the river at each other.
“You see landmarks included in the show, and when you live right near it that makes it a bit more personal, I guess.”
A young couple, both 29, who did not want to be named and work in business development, were walking their Labrador cross along the banks of the Thames in the sun. They too are fans of the show, but said: “I’ve never seen anyone actually. I’m aware of it and I’ve watched it. We really like it.
“But we haven’t seen anyone out and about doing things. Every season they seem to move where they do it. Another place they’ve used is the village hall in the centre of Barnes. It would be nice, it would be fun to see someone.”
Describing the area in general, they added the only aspect to complain about is the frequency of low-flying planes. “The river is really nice, there’s nothing to complain about except the aeroplanes. I think they have four holding stacks almost outside London and they bring them over the middle of Kew. It can be north one day, south or west or east the other, with a bit of respite in between. It’s on and off, sometimes you’re really lucky.”
Victoria Wright, 35, a childminder who has lived and worked in the area for 25 years, however is completely none the wiser about the neighbourhood’s significance. Asked if she’d heard of Taskmaster, she said: “No I haven’t, I’m oblivious to it. But the area’s lovely, especially close to the river. It’s really quiet. We literally come down here for a ride and a walk, that’s it. I’d be surprised if we saw anyone.”
Another person, who was in a rush and did not want to be named, said: “I’ve never actually seen them film and when I walk past the house it always seems empty. I think they do two series a year, around 29 weeks. It’s cheap TV, I imagine. They pay a few comedians a few quid.”
A different gentleman, who was on his way to catch a train, said: “I hadn’t even noticed it was there. That’s the sort of thing old men say.” Much the same was said by three residents living in Cavendish Road not far from the TV set.
Before crews came along, Chiswick has always been well-known for its sporting facilities. Scattered around the area are many clubs, including places where locals play golf, football, cricket, rugby and rowing.
Sally Ballardey, 59, works with sportsmen and women transitioning from their playing careers to different occupations. She said: “I’ve lived here for a long time and the schools are great. Richmond used to be nice for shopping and stuff, but the high street is changing.
“It’s still a great place to meet up with mates for dinner or drinks. And then you’ve got the river, my husband rows. It’s also got very good links with motorways as well - it’s very easy to get into town.”
Hilary Jones, 72, who ran a children’s nursery for 30 years, is also completely unaware of the area’s comedic significance. She said: “It’s nice, I’ve lived here for 12 years. It’s lovely to see the trees and apart from the planes it’s pretty quiet."
She continued: “It’s a good community and there are loads of rowing clubs. Grove Park is particularly nice and there was the Station House pub but that has closed down. It’s a shame - I don’t know what they’re doing to it.
“You can also walk to the National Archives and there are fantastic links, loads of buses and train stations. Waterloo is just two buses away and round the corner is the high road.”
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London365 - Chiswick
MyLondon visited Chiswick as part of our London365 project, where our reporters will be visiting a different part of our great city every day in 2023.
Ever wondered what it's like to live in the part of London furthest from a Tube station? Or in the shadow of one of the world's busiest airports? How is gentrification impacting some of London's neighbourhoods hardest hit by the cost of living crisis?
From Brent to Bromley, Hillingdon to Havering, and everywhere in between, the MyLondon team will explore the biggest issues facing Londoners, while celebrating every part of the capital this year.
Where should we go next? Email mylondonnewsdesk@reachplc.com. To see all the other neighbourhoods we have visited in 2023, click here.
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