Beeb denies he's in line for HIGNFY job

The BBC has denied tabloid reports that Martin Clunes is to become the full-time host of Have I Got News For You.

The Men Behaving Badly star chaired the show last week, attracting a total of 9.5million viewers and prompting reports he would take the job permanently.

But a BBC spokeswoman said that although Clunes had been "superb", he was not being offered a full-tome position.

The actor was the latest in a number of guest hosts. Former Tory leader William Hague will be in the chair this Friday, and teenage singer Charlotte Church will front it the week after.

The spokeswoman added that the search for a full-time host was "not a decision we're going to be rushed into".

Alexander Armstrong, one half of duo Armstrong and Miller, is reportedly among the favourites.

Published: 29 Apr 2003