AN inspirational Burnham teenager emerged triumphant on a festive edition of a popular TV show.

Actor Lenny Rush, 14, won the ‘New Year’s Treat’ edition of Channel 4 comedy game show Taskmaster.

He was the youngest contestant to ever take part, defeating Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, musician Kojoey Radical, naturalist Steve Backshall and broadcaster Zoe Ball.

It saw the group scoffing poppadoms and showing off their timing skills with cat feeders and cuckoo clocks. 

After the episode aired, Lenny took to social media to celebrate his victory, describing Taskmaster as his “favourite show”.

He wrote: “Big spoilers. I present to you the Taskmaster’s New Year Treat 2024 Champion.

“Never thought I’d win. A massive thank you to everyone involved, especially my fellow contestants.

“And another massive thank you to @AlexHorne and @gdavies.

“Being in my favourite show was an honour.”

Lenny told the Standard: “I’ve watched the show loads before, I actually love it, it’s so funny.

"It’s just my kind of show - for the stupidity, funniness, silliness but it’s just so fun. 

“I remember presenting a National Comedy Award to Taskmaster and the team, to Alex Horne, who was there.

“I remember hearing about the show - I mean, who hasn’t? I was thinking I’ve got to give this watch, because I hadn’t seen it yet and everyone was going on about it.

“I gave it a watch and I could see why everyone was going on about it and why it got the award.

“It’s such a great show, I love it and I’m happy to be part of it.”

When asked about advice he’d give to future contestants, Lenny added: “I’d say in terms of the tasks, just go for it, go with your gut.

“There’s no wrong or right way, unless it says.

“Go with your gut and in the studio with Greg [Davies, the Taskmaster], don’t be afraid to argue back.

“It can actually help you out in some cases.

“Just don’t be too bad, because he doesn’t like that - he’ll deduct some points.”

In May 2023, Lenny won a BAFTA for his role in the BBC comedy thriller Am I Being Unreasonable?, written by and starring Daisy May Cooper who appeared on Taskmaster in series 10.

Lenny has a rare form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.

He was recognised as a trailblazing disabled celebrity at the 20th annual Sense Awards ceremony in November 2023, having been shortlisted alongside Paralympian Ellie Simmonds and presenter Sophie Morgan.

In addition, Lenny became the first child to present BBC Children in Need last year.