It is a mystery why Alexander Armstrong has not been hired as permanent chair of the spontaneous satirical news quiz - it feels made for his wry timing. In the first of a new run, the comedian, gameshow host and would-be opera singer resumes the role of guest referee, attempting to control captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, plus BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty and comedian-actor Josh Widdicombe. Hislop is already licking his chops at the prospect of lampooning a shambolic few weeks in British politics.

HIGNFY trusted by viewers more than real news: Hislop

Ian Hislop and Paul Merton said the long-running satirical series now plays a vital role in challenging "fake news."

Just A Minute the Swedish way - but still no deviation

Just A Minute is one of the jewels in the BBC crown - and it's been entertaining audiences on radio since 1967. But few people in the UK know its close Scandinavian cousin Pa Minuten. The show, recorded in Stockholm, started just two years after the original and sticks to the same rules - more or less.

Paul Merton on past Fringes

I broke my leg playing football on the Meadows which led to a stay in hospital, where I got Hepatitis A and a pulmonary embolism.

Fringe 2018: the best comedy shows, as chosen by comics

The comedians choose.

Ten memorable Room 101 moments

As host Frank Skinner announces that 'Room 101 is dead', we look back at some memorable moments from the show

Paul Merton talks to Saga

The Have I Got News for You star on why the image of the deadpan grump couldn't be further from the truth.

10 TV faces to see at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018

BGT winner Lee Ridley, Humans' Katherine Parkinson and Julie Hesmondhalgh are performing this year.

Is it time to put HIGNFY out of its misery?

Ian Hislop's recent comments about female hosts being too 'modest' to present the show were indicative of the show's tired and flabby complacency.

Have I got news for women? Not really.

No wonder female MPs steer clear of a TV show that celebrates smirking buffoonery.