They have updated the format, it's called Mock the Week, problem is they've updated it with 80's improvisational comedy?
Writing 'Have I Got News For You' Page 2
Quote: Treenifer @ October 17, 2007, 5:54 PMI agree! So it may have got a bit stale, but what do you expect after the billionth series? And some of the guest hosts may be a little drab, but Jeremy Clarkson and Jack Dee have done some of the funniest shows being host.
What I expect after the 'billionth series' is that they address the 'staleness' and make some changes.
Sorry if you're another 'pipe and slippers' viewer that can't bear change.. 
Quote: Frankie Rage @ October 17, 2007, 6:19 PMSorry if you're another 'pipe and slippers' viewer that can't bear change..
How did you know about my slippers? And I've only got a pipe because I'm a susceptible youth, and when James May lit up on Sunday's Top gear it willed me to start smoking 
I love change, but I just think somethings should stay the same. Like Leevil said, there is MTW.
Anyway, how COULD you update something like HIGNFY? And don't say the stock answer of 'bring back Angus'.
You could have crazy camera angles and HIGNFY: Extra and Fern Cotton presenting it?
Innit?
Quote: Frankie Rage @ October 17, 2007, 6:09 PMMark, do you often have a sense of humour failure?
Yes, often! It's a bit of a worry isn't it. My fault is I come here straight from working on something boring and, reading in a rush, often miss the subtle!
Quote: Frankie Rage @ October 17, 2007, 6:09 PMEnjoy your interview ...and your pipe and slippers?
I'm not quite at pipe and slippers stage yet. In fact, I don't think many people have realised how young(ish) I actually am.
Quote: Frankie Rage @ October 17, 2007, 6:09 PMIf I didn't appreciate what this site does, believe me I wouldn't grace it with me 'eye' avatar!!!
lol. ha ha, that's good. See... I get the odd joke! The obvious are the best.
Quote: Frankie Rage @ October 17, 2007, 6:09 PMFair do's, dude?
Yeah, fair do's. Anyway, no need to defend yourself - everyone is entitled to their opinion, it doesn't matter whether or not I agree with it.
Do they ever know beforehand which guest presenter will be saying their lines, so they can write with that in mind?
No offence guys..
Sorry if I bugged you all about a show you love.
I used to like HIGNFY and I watched it most weeks, but for me I wouldn't bother trying to update it, I think it needs 'pensioning off' and the money spent on a new show with new talent.
Sorry.
Mark - I don't have any specific questions for the HIGNFY writers but I look forward to reading what they have to say! Good luck with the interview! And I hope it will be the first of many interviews with people in the biz and it is of course a coup for the site and bloody well done!! 
Cliche I know but...
How do you break into writing for the telly if you're not related to the stars in any way?
And how much of the show is improvised?
Quote: Michael Monkhouse @ October 18, 2007, 1:17 PMHow do you break into writing for the telly if you're not related to the stars in any way?
How do you expect John Merton, Barry Hislop, and Kevin Deaton to answer that fairly?
I jest btw.
There is *no* way on earth that Ian Hislop's brother is called 'Barry'! Barry Hislop sounds like one of those builder types that advertises Ultimate Flash...
Dan
[* -- No offence meant or intended to people called 'Barry', builders or people that sell any sorts of detergents anywhere, in line with new legislation about offending any kinds of minorities. Other cleaning products are available.]
Yeah but, that Kelly Osbourne woulda been big on the ASDA checkouts with or without Dad Ozzie getting her an interview..
If the fat, ugly girl next door with a mediocre talent ever made it big, here she is!
Am I being unkind? - yes.
Unfair? - I don't think so.
Harsh. But fair.
hi mark, ask how much merton and hislop contribute to the writing? cheers.
HIGNFY is a stayer!
The format has stood the test of time in its old fashioned "Question of Sport" stylee. Worth the licence fee alone. Giz a job!
Quote: SlagA @ October 18, 2007, 1:28 PMHow do you expect John Merton, Barry Hislop, and Kevin Deaton to answer that fairly?
