TV viewers are celebrating after ITV confirmed the return of The Assembly, with fans hailing the unique celebrity interview show as “the best television ever” ahead of its third series.
Many ITV fans are looking forward to its return(Image: PA)
TV lovers are celebrating after ITV announced the return of a show dubbed ‘the best on TV’. The broadcaster announced on June 25 that The Assembly has been recommissioned for a third series.
Its second series saw stars including Sir Stephen Fry, Sir Lenny Henry, Rylan Clark and Nicola Sturgeon interviewed in a ‘unique format’. People who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or have learning disabilities quiz the star in the hot seat in what’s described as a ‘no-holds-barred’ style.
ITV say the show has been streamed 6.9 million times and has been viewed more than 10 million times across ITV channels and ITVX.
Social media figures are impressive too, with content from the show reaching two million people since its first series in 2024. It’s been confirmed the third series will contain six 30-minute episodes, with the return of extra-content episodes called Unseen and More Unseen.
ITV simply said an announcement on who their VIP guests will be shall be announced ‘in due course’.
The broadcaster adds they’ve worked with autistic and neurodivergent organisations to ‘ensure every element of The Assembly works for and with autistic and neurodivergent voices’.
Social media users reacted to the announcement to hail the show as a ‘breath of fresh’ air and ‘the best show on TV’. The show’s format is based on French series Les Rencontres du Papotin and airs in 20 territories, involving more than 250 celebrity guests such as Erling Haaland and Antonio Banderas.
Katie Rawcliffe, director of entertainment, reality & daytime commissioning at ITV, said: “We are immensely proud of this series. The Assembly takes the celebrities and viewers on a complete rollercoaster ride and it really is a show where you have to expect the unexpected.”
David Smyth, entertainment and reality commissioning editor at ITV, said: “There are so many more celebrities who need The Assembly experience.
“Everyone that’s done it walks away saying it’s the best thing they’ve ever done, and the warmth we receive from fans and critics alike shows viewers agree.
“We can’t wait to get cracking with more.”
Michelle Singer, from Rockerdale Studios, said: “Returning to ask more questions of even more celebrities is thrilling of course.
“The fact that our brilliant team on and behind the cameras can come back to do what we do best is wonderful. We can’t wait for audiences to see and hear more.”
Stu Richards, from Rockerdale Studios, said: “Crikey, here we go again – I’m buzzing.
“I can’t wait to make a show in which we ask Queen Camilla about her first kiss or The Pope how often he clips his toenails. To be clear we haven’t booked any of those people but I’m just manifesting it.”
Social media users were overjoyed by the news, with more than 4,000 reacting to ITV’s announcement post on Facebook. One commented: “The most genuine, emotional and best television ever.
“I’ve loved every single episode. I think the interviewees do a fantastic job and the celebrities being interviewed are laid bare.”
Another agreed and said: “Best series on TV. I’ve watched every episode at least twice. Love the questions but always look forward to the singing at the end. So talented!”
A third added: “I love this programme – it’s so refreshing.
“The interviewers ask such good questions that most people wouldn’t think of and the celebrities are really on the back foot. A breath of fresh air.”
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