High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Have I Got News for You was originally presented by British comedian Angus Deayton between 1990 and 2002. Following a string of tabloid allegations about his personal life, he was dismissed in October 2002 after presenting two shows of the 24th series. Regular team captain Paul Merton stood in as the host of the first episode following Deayton`s departure, following which the programme was presented by a different guest host each week (many of which have presented several editions of the show). This was initially intended as a short-term solution while producers were looking for a long-term replacement; however, having a different guest host each week proved successful, with average audience figures increasing from 6 million to 7 million. It was therefore announced in June 2003 that this feature would continue. As of 25 November 2011, 80 people (including Deayton) have presented, or co-presented, at least one episode of Have I Got News for You.