Stephen Fry, Nicola Sturgeon and I’m A Celeb’s Aitch among the stars facing the grilling of a lifetime on The Assembly as acclaimed ITV show returns for second series

Sir Stephen Fry, Nicola Sturgeon and rapper Aitch are among the stars set for an intense grilling on ITV‘s The Assembly as the show returns for a second series.

The bold series features inquisitive interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled – and putting their questions to a new group of celebrities.

Also set to appear in series two are Sir Lenny Henry and Anna Maxwell Martin, as well as a yet-to-be-confirmed sixth star.

The first series – which featured Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker – aired last year to high acclaim.

For series two, viewers will have an extended run of seven episodes including a The Assembly: Unseen installment.

Sir Stephen, 68, and Nicola, 55, will appear in episodes one and two respectively – set to be aired on a to-be-confirmed date in April.   

Sir Stephen Fry is among the new group of celebrities set for an intense grilling on The Assembly series two

Former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is also set to appear in the show’s upcoming second series

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: ‘This line-up really does offer something for everyone – The Assembly’s no-holds-barred questions throw up all kinds of surprising revelations.’

David Smyth, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV, remarked: ‘The Assembly are raring to go and with such a unique mix of famous faces to interview, they will have a ball coming up with their next set of questions. 

‘These celebrities really do need to be ready for anything.’

Michelle Singer, Rockerdale Studios, added: ‘We’re thrilled to be back and, better yet, back with such a fantastic group of celebrities getting the The Assembly treatment. 

‘Lots of surprises and laughter on the way, I guarantee.’

Stu Richards, Rockerdale Studios, commented: ‘Buzzing to be back. We’ve got national treasures all over this series. And some fantastic celebrity guests, too.’

While the first series was airing, viewers hailed the programme as ‘television at its best’ – while begging TV bosses for another outing.

One said: ‘Just watch #TheAssembly with Danny dyer what a fantastic show, I ended up crying my eyes out, very emotional but fantastic questions it was great.’

Manchester rapper Aitch, who took part in last year’s series of I’m A Celebrity jungle, is also set to feature on The Assembly

Another wrote: ‘Just finished watching The Assembly. Unbelievable television. Heartwarming, and honest from beautiful people. Danny Dyer and David Tennant are superb, the singing is superb, loved every minute.’

A third commented:  ‘This show better be renewed and for longer episodes and a longer run. It’s so heartwarming and television at its best.’

ITV’s official synopsis reads: ‘Each episode of The Assembly sees a different celebrity forced to cast aside everything they were ever taught by their media trainers as they face their most honest, funny, chaotic – and heartwarming – interview yet.

‘The celebrities on the line-up – to be announced in due course – come from various corners of the showbiz world, and with each of them enjoying illustrious careers in their respective fields, the list of subject matters for our unique collective to explore is endless.

‘No area is out of bounds and no question is off the table. Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show!’

The show is based upon French iteration Les Rencontres du Papotin, which has featured appearances from notable French figures including President Emmanuel Macron. 

The Assembly airs ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.