Anderson 'will not replace Angus'

The makers of Have I Got News For You have rubbished reports that Stephen Fry and Clive Anderson are being lined up as possible presenters.

And they say that most of the guest hosts who have stood in since Angus Deayton was fired have not made the grade.

So they are now seeking a familiar, but not hugely famous, face to take the job before the new series starts next year.

Jimmy Mulville, of producers Hat Trick, told The Independent: "Of the guest presenters, I would say there's maybe only one person that we've had on that I would be interested in having on again.

"So much that has been in the press has been wrong. These stories that we were approaching Stephen Fry or Clive Anderson were complete fiction.

"We will continue to look for people next year. We will draw up lists.

"First time round, we held auditions in a room above a pub. This time, it's a bit like looking for Scarlett O'Hara.

"It won't be a complete unknown. But it may be a journalist whom we all know but who hasn't done TV before, or an actor who is not an A-lister."

Published: 17 Dec 2002