Paul Merton
- 67 years old
- English
- Actor, writer and stand-up comedian
Press clippings Page 11
50 Years of Just A Minute: Nicholas Parsons in Conversation with Paul Merton (New Year's Day, 6.15pm, Radio 4) has the irrepressibly perky host quizzed by his unfailingly puzzled guest, and can be relied upon to get to the big questions. Did Parsons sport his trademark cravat back when he worked as an engineering apprentice on the Glasgow docks? And how does it feel to have seen his own fame increase while Arthur Haynes, the TV comic he was once the straight man for, has faded away into obscurity?
David Hepworth, The Guardian, 30th December 2017Odd to reflect that not so long ago there were mutterings HIGNFY had run out of steam. Then came Brexit. And Trump. And who knows what lies ahead next year? That said, it can still seem a little stale on those nights when Merton and Hislop rest too heavily on our familiarity with their respective personas. Tonight's episode gathers highlights, including, presumably, Jo Brand's silencing-the-boys admonishment moment.
Jonathan Wright, The Guardian, 22nd December 2017Why Just a Minute hides a far more ruthless reality
Just A Minute has become one of the nation's most beloved radio shows -- but it began as a classroom humiliation, inflicted on daydreamers by a history teacher at Sherborne School in the Thirties.
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 1st December 2017Paul Merton still fears HIGNFY will be canned
The comedian, who has been on the show since its launch in 1990, says he 'can't afford to be complacent'.
Mark Jefferies and Nicola Methven, The Mirror, 29th November 2017BBC Radio's Christmas 2017 highlights
BBC Radio has announced its festive comedy offerings for 2017. Radio 4 will celebrate 50 years of Just A Minute, whilst other specials include comedy drama Anansi Boys, 15 Minute Musical, Dead Ringers and Count Arthur Strong.
British Comedy Guide, 22nd November 2017HIGNFY attacked for anti-Tory bias
Have I Got News for You makes five times more jokes about the Tories than Labour, a Sun probe discovered. Conservative MPs branded the BBC show propaganda yesterday.
Joe Kasper, The Sun, 9th November 2017Paul Merton to interview Nicholas Parsons for Just A Minute special
Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons is to be interviewed by Paul Merton for a special Radio 4 show linked to 50 years of the panel show.
British Comedy Guide, 1st November 2017Preview - Have I Got News for You
The BBC's long-running satirical panel show enters its 54th series tonight.
Ian Wolf, On The Box, 6th October 2017As HIGNFY returns for its 54th series, it's hard to know how to feel about this telly institution. It has undoubtedly lost something of its bite with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton having long since adopted roles they could play in their sleep. Plus, the show is probably marginally to blame for the ascent of Boris Johnson. But, still, in these absurd times, someone's got to take the mickey. The urbane Alexander Armstrong hosts.
Phil Harrison, The Guardian, 6th October 2017BBC announces major Edinburgh festival coverage
Edinburgh Festivals' 70th anniversary year is to be celebrated by the BBC with a dynamic showcase highlighting the cultural standing of this international event.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 24th July 2017