Have I Got News for You season 68: release date, panellists, presenters, episodes, inspired new trailer and everything we know
Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are back for Have I Got News for You season 68. Here’s who’s joining them this time round…
The nights are drawing in, there’s a chill in the air and TV magazine editors everywhere are planning their double Christmas issues. Which means it’s time for us to turn on the telly and tune into BBC1 on Friday nights, as Ian Hislop and Paul Merton return with a new series of their satirical news show, Have I Got News for You season 68.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new 10-part series…
Please note: This is a live document and will be updated regularly as new guest panellists and presenters are announced/denounced…
Have I Got News for you season 68 — release date
Have I Got News For You season 68 returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 9 pm for a new weekly 10-part series. Episodes are available on iPlayer after transmission.
The slightly longer version Have I Got a Bit More News For You will air weekly on Monday nights on BBC1 (at various times depending on your viewing region). Episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Have I Got News for you season 68 — episode guide
HIGNFY season 68 — episode 1
Airdate: Friday, October 4, 2024, BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
Guest host: Comedian Kevin Bridges. This marks his seventh appearance on the programme, but his first time as guest host and first time on the show since 2016.
Guest panellists: Journalist Helen Lewis makes her 10th appearance on the programme. The second panellist is comedian Chloe Petts, who makes her second appearance on the programme.
On hosting the show for the first time, Kevin 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."
From the press release: “With Keir Starmer now in number 10 and the US election just around the corner, Have I Got News For You returns for its 68th series on Friday 4th October. Available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.”
HIGNFY season 68 — episode 2
Airdate: Friday 11 October 2024, BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
Guest host: University Challenge presenter and BBC journalist Amol Rajan hosts the show for the first time.
Guest panellists: Comedian Miles Jupp makes his 17th appearance on the programme. Former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns makes her first appearance on the programme.
Amol was set to host an episode of HIGNFY in the last series, but had to withdraw due to BBC impartiality rules after the general election was announced.
On hosting HIGNFY for the first time, Amol 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."
HIGNFY season 68 — episode 3
Airdate: Friday 18 October 2024, BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
Guest host: Mathematician, author and presenter Professor Hannah Fry. This is her eighth time on the programme and her third time as host.
Guest panellists: Comedian Phil Wang, making his 13th appearance, and broadcaster Carol Vorderman, making her sixth appearance on the programme.
HIGNFY season 68 — episode 4
Airdate: Friday 25 October 2024, BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
Guest host: TBC.
Guest panellists: Artist Grayson Perry making this his sixth appearance on the show, and comedian Angela Barnes, who is making her HIGNFY debut.
HIGNFY season 68 — episode 5
Airdate: Friday 01 November 2024, BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
Guest host: Jo Brand, making her 35th appearance on the show.
Guest panellists: Comedian Nabil Abdulrashid and The Times' parliamentary sketch writer Tom Peck, marking their third and first appearances respectively.
Is there a trailer for Have I Got News for You season 68?
Yes, it's just landed and it's definitely maybe hilarious.
Get the What to Watch Newsletter
The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more!
With twenty years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Elaine writes for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and www.whattowatch.com covering a variety of programs from gardening and wildlife to documentaries and drama.
As well as active involvement in the WTW family’s social media accounts, she has been known to get chatty on the red carpet and wander into the odd podcast.
After a day of previewing TV, writing about TV and interviewing TV stars, Elaine likes nothing than to relax… by watching TV.