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Express readers' true feelings over axing Have I Got News For You revealed
Reach Daily Express | June 8, 2025 7:39 AM CST

Express readers have made their opinion on the future of Have I Got News For You in a . The BBC programme first aired in 1990 and features celebrity contestants who answer questions based on the week's top stories and news. The two teams are typically captained by comedy satirists, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.

Since Angus Deayton was sacked from his hosting role in 2002, the programme has been hosted by a different celebrity each week. A poll has now revealed what Express readers truly think of the programme, with 68% of voters believing it should be cancelled by the BBC. 31% said no, while the survey shows 1% said they were not sure. Express readers had their say after columnist Garry Bushell claimed the show is "running on empty" after 35 years on air.

The TV presenter claimed the "soft satirists" display their own prejudices, making digs at Donald Trump and the Conservatives, but never Vladimir Putin and the Labour Party.

Bushell pointed out how small boat asylum seeker numbers hit a new record last month, but it was not mentioned by anyone on the show. "Satire is alive and well and living at Number 10 Downing Street. The just can't see it," he said.

The 70-year-old explained that loyal viewers of the programme will recall the real tension between former host Deayton and the two captains, but noted this is now non-existent thanks to the rotating presenter set-up.

Earlier this year, Hislop, 64, shared two "concerning" threats that could see the BBC show axed.

"When people disengage, they stop believing in anything. It's all very well saying that you can't believe anything in the mainstream news. But reading the things outside of it is even less patrolled," he said in an interview in .

"Online, it's difficult for people to accept that they're being fed stuff by bad actors. I can see that you're annoyed and suspicious. But why do you just believe something that just appears on your phone?

"I still hope our Have I Got News For You has a broader audience, the viewing figures we're getting on BBC One suggest that we are. But if I believed the onlinesphere, I'd understand that we were libtard sell-outs who should be shot."


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