According to the Daily Express, Angus Deayton is tipped to return to host Have I Got News For You for a one-off comeback next year.

BBC bosses have reportedly agreed to the suggestion from production company Hat Trick that Deayton should present the long-running panel show's 20th anniversary special next year. After 12 years as host, Deayton was sacked from the job in 2002 after News Of The World revelations about his private life. It is believed Deayton was earning £50,000 per episode at the time.

An insider said: "There's no way Angus would be coming back on a permanent basis but it's only fitting he's there." If Deayton does return for the special he could be met with a frosty welcome - earlier this year team captain Ian Hislop admitted that Paul Merton "never liked" Deayton.

Deayton was recently replaced as the host of Would I Lie To You? too, although no reason has been given for his depature. He has been replaced by Rob Brydon for the third series, which is currently broadcasting on Monday nights. When asked why Deayton was dropped, the new host of WILTY? said: "I don't know. I've always liked Angus, I know him a little bit. That's show business."