Viewers want Deayton back on HIGNFY

Have I Got News For You fans have said the person they would most like to replace Angus Deayton - is Angus Deayton.

Half those polled in a new survey say they want to see the shamed star back in the presenters' seat - despite the cocaine and hookers scandal that got him fired.

Second most popular choice was Stephen Fry with 18 per cent, followed by Clive Anderson on 13 per cent.

Anderson is tipped as one of the most likely successors.

But Anne Robinson, who stood in as a guest presented, failed to land even one vote among the 1,000 viewers who took part in the Yahoo.co.uk survey.

Website boss Jon Wayth said yesterday: "Our research indicates how popular Angus really was. It seems the public are a very forgiving bunch."

Published: 13 Dec 2002