BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute will have long-standing panellists Paul Merton and Gyles Brandreth, as well as Lucy Porter (pictured), Stephen Fry, Jo Brand and Nish Kumar in the host’s chair for a new series beginning in February. This series will see 10 guest presenters follow in the footsteps of Nicholas Parsons. Each will take a turn to lead the comedy panel game and to uphold the tradition of attempting to talk for 60 seconds with no hesitation, repetition or deviation.

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy says: “We’re delighted that this group of superbly talented guest hosts will be joining us to take part in the brilliant and much loved game that is Just a Minute. Nicholas Parsons was of course the Maestro and he loved working with the many panellists who appeared over the years. We’re looking forward to hearing what some of those panellists and the other guest hosts will bring to this iconic show; its return promises to be a joyful treat for those many listeners who adore the programme.”

Further guest hosts are to be confirmed.

Picture: Steve Ullathorne