ITV signs huge celebrity names for 'The Assembly'
David Tennant and Gary Lineker are among those taking part.
ITV has unveiled the star-studded line-up for its exciting new entertainment series, The Assembly, which will feature celebrities being interviewed by a remarkable group of inquisitive individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent, and/or have learning disabilities.
In each episode of The Assembly, a different celebrity is challenged to throw out all the media training they’ve ever received as they face an interview that is honest, humorous, chaotic, and heartwarming. Carefully rehearsed PR responses won’t suffice on this show, and the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they take a seat in the hot seat.
Gary Lineker is the first star confirmed for the series. With a celebrated career as a Golden Boot-winning footballer and a top sports broadcaster, and with his long tenure as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day coming to an end this summer, there’s no shortage of stories Lineker could share.
Joining him is acting legend David Tennant. Known for his iconic role as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, Tennant battled Cybermen, Daleks, and The Master, but facing a grilling from The Assembly may prove to be his most nerve-racking encounter yet.
BRIT-nominated pop star Jade Thirlwall will also be part of the line-up. After 11 chart-topping years with the groundbreaking girl group Little Mix, Jade has embarked on a successful solo career. Her raw and honest lyrics about the challenges of the music industry suggest her interview with The Assembly will be equally candid.
Rounding out the line-up is actor and presenter Danny Dyer. Known for his roles in Rivals and EastEnders, Dyer is a national treasure, recognised for his forthright, no-nonsense attitude, making him an ideal candidate for an interview where no topic is off-limits and no question is too bold.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime at ITV, said: “We’re thrilled that such a distinguished group of stars have agreed to take part in this fresh and unique format coming soon to ITV1 and ITVX. Gary, David, Jade, and Danny’s interviews with The Assembly promise to be captivating, unmissable television, full of warmth, and we can’t wait to share them with our audience.”
The Assembly originally premiered in the UK to critical acclaim in 2024 as a BBC pilot featuring actor and director Michael Sheen, who later remarked, “The Assembly has had more response than anything I’ve ever done” (The Guardian, August 2024).
The 4 x 30-minute series is produced by Rockerdale Studios, who, alongside ITV, have worked with national and local autistic and neurodivergent organisations to ensure that every aspect of The Assembly works with and for autistic and neurodivergent voices. It was commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning at ITV, and David Smyth, ITV Entertainment Commissioner. The Executive Producers are Michelle Singer and Stu Richards for Rockerdale Studios. It will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player in 2025.
The show is an adaptation of the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which has featured appearances from notable French figures, including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and even President Emmanuel Macron, who was famously asked by the panel if marrying one’s teacher was truly role model behaviour.
The Assembly has been commissioned as part of ITV’s Diversity Commissioning Spend.