Chloe Petts, the comedian currently competing on Taskmaster, says they are happy for people to be critical of them as long as the correct pronouns are used. The 32-year-old, who uses they/them pronouns, made the comments ahead of appearing on Have I Got News for You.
Bedbugs and Big Ideas
Before the interview, Petts was thinking about bedbugs, joking: "I think bedbugs get top billing and then plague. Unfortunately, the bedbugs are funnier [than plague]."
Petts, who describes themselves as cheerful and high energy, says they enjoy blending the stupid and the smart in their comedy. "That's my favourite thing: having a really smart idea and then expressing it through a poor joke," they said. "I think that's because comedy audiences have come to see comedy; they haven't come to see a lecture."
This approach has allowed Petts to explore topics like gender fluidity in their routine while remaining "a bit laddy."
Confidence and Audiences
Petts credits their increased confidence and experience for being bold enough to discuss deep ideas on stage. They also praised audiences for being open-minded. "I want to give myself a bit of credit for working really hard and knowing how to talk about stuff and being brave enough to kind of go on stage and say: 'This is who I am'," they explained.
Despite their confidence, Petts was reluctant to hear they were the fan favourite on Taskmaster. "I know that in this industry, if you allow your self-esteem to ride on arbitrary praise, then it's going to be good sometimes and bad at other times," they said. "I just try to always be myself and make the work that I'm proud of and hope that people respond to that."
Pronouns on Taskmaster
Petts said Taskmaster is the first TV show they have done with their correct pronouns. "Everyone being so cognisant of that and respectful has been very nice for me to feel," they said. "You can say you don't like me as long as you're using the correct pronouns, like trans-inclusive abuse."
They noted their co-stars were considerate of their pronouns, despite initial worries. "There's always a fear that anyone of a certain generation's gonna be stuck in their ways," they said. "Everyone has either just been cool or curious."
Richard Ayoade and Greg Davies
Petts admitted they never really understood Richard Ayoade. "You'll have to ask him," they laughed. "Listen to this Taskmaster podcast (you're welcome for the plug, Ed Gamble), because it is so illuminating. He says everything like it's a character, but you can tell everything he says is true."
They compared Ayoade's energy to a "naughty schoolchild," while they had "good schoolchild energy, desperate for the approval of my teachers." Of Greg Davies, they said: "Greg [Davies] is just not a version of AQA or something. I just wanted him to think I was good and give me all the points, because I'm a nerd."
Petts also discussed their competitive side. "I went in with a very philosophical attitude and was thinking, 'By being on Taskmaster, I've won'," they said. "Then I think something happens to me where my brain sniffs the possibility of victory and goes, 'Well, if I don't get it, then my life will be over, and then everyone will hate me.'"
Chloe Petts' 2027 UK and Ireland stand-up tour, Call Me By My Surname, runs from January 21 through May 27, 2027. Tickets are on sale now.
