Paul Merton

Isn't it about time they settled on a permanent host for this topical news quiz? As enjoyable as some of the guest hosts can be, I'd much rather have a consistently good presenter to return some stability. But, alas, Fern Britten was in the hot-seat for this first episode (cue a few digs at her recent gastric band controversy). Worryingly, despite the fact we're living through a fascinating political time (presidential debates, fuel prices, the credit crunch), this premiere episode wasn't particularly funny or insightful. A few moments stood out (like Hislop fancying Sarah Palin), but it was otherwise a dry start. They even poked fun at a two-month old clip of Boris Johnson at the Beijing Olympics! Is that topical comedy?

Twice a year, in our best handwriting, we compose a message to whoever is playing the role of Father Christmas at the BBC production meeting comprising one single plea: Hire a permanent f***ing host for Have I Got News For You! Sadly, once again our entreaty has fallen on deaf ears, and we have yet another series where the quality will be as capricious as the moods of Nero, often determined by the standard of guest presenter.

After watching the first in the new series, I'm increasingly of the opinion that the guest presenter idea has run its course. I wish they'd settle on a permanent host. And no matter what anyone says, I still think it was better when Angus was in it.

Satire! It's great. Except for when it's not, obviously. Then it's rubbish. That Have I Got News For You manages consistently to avoid the potholes routinely occupied by its contemporaries (to wit: crudeness, the triumphs of ego over comedic esprit de corps, Jason Manford, etc) is testament not only to the chemistry between long-serving team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, but to wit so sublime it can turn a one-liner on Gordon Brown's incisors into a dazzling nugget of incontrovertible topical wisdom.

Returning as the show's guest host tonight is This Morning's astonishingly game/foolhardy Fern Britton. Place your bets now on how many seconds will elapse before Paul Merton mentions g*stric b*nds.

It's an amazing series 36 for this topical panel show and, obviously, going by an 'if it aint broke, don't fix it' philosophy, Messrs Hislop and Merton are back as the regular team captains.

The long-running satirical panel show returns for a new run with perennial team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton all present and correct. It never ceases to amaze that this show remains as fresh as ever after 18 years on air and always earns its keep in the schedules.

Now in its 18th year and 35th series, Have I Got News for You is without doubt the little Radio 4 parlour game that could. Its success is due partly to its topicality, but mostly to the genuine rivalry between team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton (Merton in particular hates to lose).

Deayton in the lion's den

BBC News reports from the back row of the HIGNFY studio audience that Angus Deayton received 'a mauling' from Ian Hislop and Paul Merton in now infamous episode.

I'm pretty certain that Merton heartily loathes comics of the Davidson ilk, but he generously tees up gags for all his guests and the result is a show that is (at last) fresh and funny.

When you pull together a triumvirate as powerful as this (two of Britain's funniest writers and Merton), you can't go far wrong because, like sex, even when it's bad it's still pretty damn good. Galton and Simpson are masters of comic writing (secreting some genuinely touching and truthful moments in among the gags, something that's sadly all too rare in contemporary sitcom), and they must be enjoying the new lease of life that Carlton has given their vintage work.