Have I Got News For You’s latest episode has been cancelled – here’s why.
Episode 5 of the new series of Have I Got News For You was due to air last night (Friday, May 10).
However just minutes beforehand, the BBC announced that the show had been pulled from schedules.
Instead, Would I Lie To You took its slot before a repeat of Mrs Brown’s Boys.
The episode’s guest host was Jo Brand, with guest panellists Heidi Allen MP, interim leader of Change UK, & comedian Phil Wang joining team captains Ian Hislop & Paul Merton.
The BBC has said the show was cancelled due to election rules.
HIGNFY posted on Twitter: “Sorry everyone. The BBC have pulled tonight’s edition of #HIGNFY – no, we didn’t book Danny Baker. We booked Heidi Allen, a member of a party no-one knows the name of (not even the people in it), because the Euro elections, which nobody wants, may or may not be happening. Sorry.”
A spokesperson for the BBC explained the decision: “The BBC has specific editorial guidelines that apply during election periods.
“Because of this it would be inappropriate to feature political party leaders on entertainment programmes during this short election period, which does not allow for equal representation to be achieved.”
It’s understood the BBC will try to air the episode at a later date.
The series is due to continue next Friday, May 17, at 9PM.
Comedian Rhod Gilbert guest presents with fellow comedian Tom Allen & broadcaster Emma Barnett scheduled to appear as panellists alongside team captains Ian Hislop & Paul Merton.
Further established guest presenters appearing in future episodes are set to include Victoria Coren-Mitchell.
The new series of Have I Got News For You airs weekly on Friday nights from 5th April for 9 weeks, with the extended repeats, Have I Got A Bit More News For You.
You can stream and watch episodes online for free via the BBC iPlayer.
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