Comedian Kevin Bridges has been confirmed as the guest host for episode one of Have I Got News For You on Friday 4th October.
This marks his seventh appearance on the programme, but his first time as guest host and first time on the show since 2016.
On hosting the show for the first time, Bridges said: "An honour to be asked to host an iconic and long running show. My Mum is especially excited to see me on her screen again as she can only work freeview. The show should be a hoot. I’m off to buy a paper."
He joins the show alongside fellow comedian Chloe Petts who makes her second appearance on the programme, as well as the previously confirmed journalist Helen Lewis.
It has also been confirmed that University Challenge presenter and BBC journalist Amol Rajan will guest host HIGNFY for the first time on Friday 11th October.
Having been announced to host an episode in the previous series, Rajan was forced to withdraw, due to the BBC's impartiality rules once the general election had been called.
On hosting HIGNFY for the first time, Rajan said: "Well I think it’s about time I put all the news in my head to work in the world of satire. I am honoured, obviously, to join the extended HIGNFY family, and will do my utmost to ensure Ian and Paul obey the rules. My main objective is to avoid saying “fingers on buzzers, here’s your Starter for Ten”. If I can do that, it will be a triumph."
Joining Amol on the panel will be comedian Miles Jupp, who makes his 17th appearance on the programme, as well as former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who makes her first appearance on the programme.
Have I Got News For You, Fridays, 9pm, BBC One & BBC iPlayer
Picture: Andy Hollingworth
