Have I Got News For You. Image shows left to right: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton. Credit: Matt Crockett
Have I Got News For You

Have I Got News For You

  • TV panel show
  • BBC One / BBC Two
  • 1990 - 2024
  • 600 episodes (67 series)

Long-running topical panel game with a strong political slant, featuring team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton. Also features Angus Deayton.

Episode menu

Series 66, Episode 3

Have I Got News For You. Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey guest hosts, with Daliso Chaponda and journalist Helen Lewis joining Ian and Paul.

Further details

It was a busy week of news to discuss, with both President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak having visited Israel for talks with the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as the conflict in the Middle East continues, and Labour overturning big Conservative majorities to win Thursday's by-elections in Mid-Bedfordshire and Tamworth.

But it was an unexpected musical surprise from host Bill Bailey that went on to cause a moment of chaos and hilarity in the HIGNFY studio.

Referring to a recent story in which King Charles had advocated for the particular health benefits of playing the bagpipes, Bailey then leant under the desk to bring up his very own set.

"Why does the King think we should be playing the bagpipes?" asked Bailey.

"He's finally lost it?" joked Helen Lewis, before realising the correct answer. "It's very good for your breathing. It's really good for your lungs."

"Yes exactly, that's right. It's good for your health. The Scotsman advised that 'beginners may wish to find a large field to play in'...," joked Bailey, "but I prefer a panel show to practise on!" as he leant under the desk to bring up his own bagpipes, to cheers from the audience.

As Bailey started playing the instrument, it was only a matter of time before chaos reigned, with Paul Merton leaping out of his seat to start a Scottish jig around the studio floor, with Bailey following him round. Cue Ian Hislop jumping up from his seat too, arms aloft and dancing in front of the desks, to the audience's amused delight.

As he took his place back in the host's chair, an out-of-breath Bailey falls to the floor, to laughter from the studio.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Bailey protested. "Yeah, it's really good for your health," he jokingly pants.

"I was wondering why we'd never done that before!" laughs Merton.

Notes

Paul and Daliso won, 9 points to 5.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 20th October 2023
Time
9pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes
Recorded
  • Thursday 19th October 2023, 19:10 at Riverside Studios

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Monday 23rd October 2023 10:40pm
45 minute version
BBC1
Monday 23rd October 2023 11:10pm
45 minute version
BBC1 Wales
Tuesday 24th October 2023 12:25am
45 minute version
BBC1 Scot

Cast & crew

Cast
Ian Hislop Team Captain
Paul Merton Team Captain
Guest cast
Bill Bailey Host / Presenter
Helen Lewis Guest
Daliso Chaponda Guest
Writing team
Colin Swash Writer (Additional Material)
Ged Parsons Writer (Additional Material)
Dan Gaster Writer (Additional Material)
Kevin Day Writer (Additional Material)
Shaun Pye Writer (Additional Material)
Monica Long Writer (Additional Material)
Zoƫ Tomalin Writer (Additional Material)
Catherine Brinkworth Writer (Additional Material)
Rose Johnson Writer (Additional Material)
Production team
Paul Wheeler Director
Mike Rayment Series Producer
Jack Harris Producer
Richard Wilson Executive Producer
Katie Taylor Executive Producer
Jon Ellis Editor
Daniel Keevil Editor
Matt Roberts Editor
Dan Isitt Editor
David Wiseman Editor
Jonathan Paul Green Production Designer
Mikki Rain Production Designer
Karen Jackson Costume Designer
Peter Raby Lighting Designer
George Webley (as Big George) Composer
Phil Hewson Graphics
David Ward Graphics

Video

Bill Bailey plays bagpipes

Bill Bailey causes hilarity in the HIGNFY studio when he brings out some bagpipes.

Featuring: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Bill Bailey, Daliso Chaponda & Helen Lewis.

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