Kevin Bridges to host Have I Got News For You for the first time
Kevin Bridges will guest host the opening episode of Series 68 of Have I Got News For You, on BBC One on Friday 4th October.
It will be his 7th appearance on the programme, but his first time as guest host. He says: "An honour to be asked to host an iconic and long running show. My mum is especially excited to see me on her screen again as she can only work Freeview. The show should be a hoot. I'm off to buy a paper."
The panellists booked to appear alongside Ian Hislop and Paul Merton on the episode are Chloe Petts, who makes her second appearance on the programme, and journalist Helen Lewis.
Meanwhile, the following week, Friday 11th October, it will be the turn of University Challenge presenter and BBC journalist Amol Rajan to guest host the show.
Having been announced to host an episode in the previous series, Rajan was forced to withdraw due to the BBC's impartiality rules once the general election had been called.
On hosting HIGNFY for the first time, he says: "Well I think it's about time I put all the news in my head to work in the world of satire. I am honoured, obviously, to join the extended HIGNFY family, and will do my utmost to ensure Ian and Paul obey the rules. My main objective is to avoid saying 'fingers on buzzers, here's your Starter for Ten'. If I can do that, it will be a triumph."
Joining Amol on the panel will be Miles Jupp, who makes his 17th appearance on the programme, and former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who is making her debut on the topical comedy show.
The ten-part series airs each week on BBC One at 9pm on Fridays.