Have I Got News for You is hot off the press!

Some of the most memorable editions of Have I Got News for You have been when the Ian Hislop, Paul Merton and co have poked fun at the fallout from General Elections, MPs’ misdemeanours, the financial crash, Brexit, and even the scandal involving its long-running host Angus Deayton.

Despite everything that’s gone on and 30 years changes in society, the daddy of all topical panel shows has carried on regardless – even a burst appendix couldn’t stop Ian from taking part in 1992 (he discharged himself from hospital immediately before filming the show).

However, the 59th series of Have I Got News for You, which was broadcast at the height of lockdown in the spring of 2020 was more remarkable than any of the others.

For the first time, the show was filmed remotely, and the likes of Steph McGovern, Charlie Brooker, David Tennant and Jo Brand guest-hosted the show from their own homes, with team captains Hislop and Merton remotely joined by an array of big-name teammates.

At the time, according to show’s production company, Hat Trick, they were aiming for an innovative look.

“We will try and make it look like they have appeared on the set – a bit like Princess Leia does when R2D2 plays that message – we are aiming for that effect,” they said.

However, without an audience to laugh at the jokes, it’s safe to say not all viewers were impressed by the stay-at-home experiment.

At times, it seemed more like an awkward chat with mates over Skype/Zoom/FaceTime/HouseParty rather than a topical comedy panel show.

Nevertheless, many pundits and fans still praised all involved for at least giving it a go.

HIGNFY returns for its 60th series tonight, and although Covid-19 has presented the production team and writers with a number of challenges over the past few months, it has also gifted them plenty of material to get their satirical teeth into.

As well as the unprecedented global pandemic, there’s the ongoing Brexit debacle and the forthcoming US Presidential Election to comment on, so it could be argued that there’s never been a better time to for this, as well as the likes of The Mash Report and Mock the Week, to air.

Homeland actor and producer Damian Lewis makes his sixth appearance as guest host, while The Last Leg comedian Josh Widdicombe and deputy political editor of The Spectator Katy Balls help regulars Paul and Ian to supply the answers.

Best of all, it has been announced that there will be hopefully be a live audience in attendance, which although reduced in size, will be on hand to provide some atmosphere. Like society itself, HIGNFY it isn’t quite back to normal yet. But Ian, Paul and co will certainly have plenty of entertainment for you.

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