Forsyth lands Have I Got News... gig

Hasn't he done well! Bruce Forsyth is to present Have I Got News for You - eight years after being dumped by the BBC.

The 75-year-old comic will be the guest host on Friday's edition, the last in the series, the corporation announced today.

It will be Forsyth's first TV presenting job since 2000, when ITV axed Play Your Cards Right.

A BBC spokesman said: "Bruce is one of the legendary figures in entertainment. One of the great things about having guest hosts is that we have been able to invite people from a range of entertainment backgrounds.

"To finish this series with Bruce is great for the viewers - he's somebody who appeals to viewers of all ages."

Other guest hosts who have appeared this series included Martin Clunes, Charlotte Church and former Conservative party leader William Hague.

The biggest ratings - 7.9 million - were secured by comedian Alexander Armstrong, who isipped to be a permanent replacement.

But the BBC spokesman told Media Guardian: "With the guest presenters doing so well, there's no pressure to be making a decision about a new full-time host."

A new series of Have I Got News for You is planned for the autumn.

Published: 10 Jun 2003