QI

Joke's over: how the TV panel show fell from grace

In their day, there was something intoxicating about the no-holds-barred panel show back-and-forth. But there seems to be little room for it in a society that has begun to appreciate empathy - and neither, conversely, in a more brutal political climate that is not particularly suitable for dissecting for cheap laughs. Perhaps, when the world lightens up again, they'll be back.

Sandi Toksvig brings joy for looking like Mrs Doubtfire

The new host of QI gave viewers all the joy with her sartorial choices on tonight's show.

Belfast teacher still in class of her own for shouting

Despite Annalisa Flanagan's record standing for 22 years, no-one has yet been able to out-shout get - a fact that recently re-emerged when her Richter-scale ripping exploits featured on the BBC TV programme QI.

John Lloyd: 'Spitting Image could have stopped Brexit'

"Donald Trump would have been a gift to Spitting Image," he says wistfully. "Watching him, you do think you're watching the Muppets. It doesn't seem to matter what he says, it doesn't make any difference."

Extracts from QI's latest factbook

Here are the jaw-dropping best, and if you don't believe them you can cross-refer from the book to the QI website ([url]qi.com/1342[/url]) to discover where the elves found the information...

Sandi Toksvig continues to sharpen up the amiably informative panel show. This week's Nordic theme plays to her Danish roots, taking in protest pigs, sperm exportation and the elusive but suddenly omnipresent concept of "hygge" (Toksvig's handy summation: "bring beer"). Joining Alan Davies are panelists Jason Manford, Lucy Beaumont and Rhod Gilbert. The latter's inability to distinguish between Scandinavian countries serves Davies's transition from class dunce to teacher's pet.

Forget Stephen Fry - Sandi Toksvig has made QI sing

Toksvig holds her own as the sharp, no-nonsense new QI host, cutting through the show's smugness and blowing away the cobwebs of Fry's tenure

We visited the QI offices to see what the elves do

Biscuits are involved. Also Jeremy the lefty snail.

The 14th series of the knowingly esoteric quiz has reached the letter N which, for this opening episode, should probably stand for "new host". Sandi Toksvig takes over in the big chair and - considering how Stephen Fry's bluff smartypants approach helped define QI - the transition is remarkably seamless. Panellists Romesh Ranganathan, Cariad Lloyd, Phill Jupitus and original fixture Alan Davies are effortlessly steered and/or needled as required.

Sandi Toksvig on QI, Stephen Fry, and her open wedding

Playwright, novelist, budding politician, handywoman and now QI quizmistress - is there nothing Sandi Toksvig can't do?