Have I Got News For You

Tory MP Nicky Morgan pulls out of HIGNFY

Tory MP Nicky Morgan has pulled out of a planned appearance on Have I Got News for You, days after a row over her criticism of Theresa May's wardrobe.

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.

Arriving for a 52nd series, HIGNFY has rarely been more welcome. Over the next 11 weeks, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton will, as ever, captain the teams skewering the increasing ludicrousness of world affairs. They'll be running over the US presidential election, too, which is likely to provide ample quarry for some terrifying hilarity. Nick Clegg has a go in the host's chair, while Kevin Bridges is one of the week's guest panellists.

Isabel has news for Hislop

Political journalist Isabel Oakeshott has declined an invitation to appear on HIGNFY in brutal fashion.

Frankie Boyle's Queen jokes censored by BBC bosses

Frankie Boyle was censored by BBC bosses after a string of offensive jokes on Have I Got News For You. Appearing in the guest presenter slot, the Scottish stand-up star fired off a series of withering political gags but saved his most cutting jibes for the Queen.

Ally Ross: HIGNFY should not have won a BAFTA

Have I Got News For You? "They have to be kidding?" I heard myself yelp. It hasn't had an award-worthy episode since William Shatner guest-hosted in 2012 and the decline has been so relentless I can't even remember when it started.

Ian Hislop: making IDS cry & why we should pay more tax

"If it had been Blair or someone, you would have thought: 'He's been rehearsing this for the last month...' But I just thought: This is very odd."