No one's taking Deayton's place

The BBC says it still hasn't found a regular presenter for the next series of Have I Got News For You.

Rumours that Angus Deayton could return to the chair, after being sacked in October following revelations about his private life, were also rebuffed.

Instead, the next series will feature another string of guest presenters in the hope of finding a permanent replacement by next year.

Former Tory leader William Hague is reportedly among those who are considering the role.

At the launch of the £270million summer schedules, BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessy said: "The system of having different guest presenters worked really well in the last series and we're going to continue. Hopefully, we will appoint a new, permanent presenter after that.

"It does add a different dimension to the programme and the viewers really liked it."

BBC1 entertainment controller Jane Lush added: "[Deayton] was a great presenter but things happened in his life - and he became the target of the jokes rather than handing them out."

Deayton was yesterday nominated for a Bafta for his role fronting the topical news quiz.

The new schedules are heavy on drama and documentaries, with little new comedy.

The main exception is Eyes Down, starring Lily Savage creator Paul O'Grady as a bingo caller.

Set in Liverpool, the comedy was written by newcomer Angela Clarke, under the BBC's Northern Writer's Initiative, which set out to find new writing talent.

Published: 18 Mar 2003