...but Anne Widdecombe was a nightmare

Fewer women present Have I Got News For You than men because they are too modest to agree to the job.

That’s according to team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop, who say that producers have always tried to recruit more women, but are rejected.

‘[They] always ask more women than men. More women say no,’ Merton told the Radio Times. ‘Right from the early days, that’s been the case’.

Hislop added: ‘Everyone you think should have been asked has been. Really, they really have

‘There was a period when people said, "Why haven’t you had French and Saunders on? Why haven’t you had the following people?". And you say, "Well, it’s not compulsory."

‘And on the whole, women are slightly more reticent and think, maybe modestly: "I can’t do that." Maybe more men in public life say: "Yes I can do that."’

The problem is particularly noticeable when it comes to politicians.   Eleven politicians have hosted the BBC show in its 28-year history, but just one – Ann Widdecombe – was a woman.

And that was not without its problems.

Merton said that her second time as host was among his worst experiences on the show, because she was bossy following the success of her first time in the chair.

He said the Tory insisted on ‘telling the producer what jokes will and won’t work’ and at one point sneered at him: ‘Come on, be amusing, that’s what you’re being paid for.’

He added: ‘Even as I say it, it sends a shiver through my heart. It’s like, the arrogance of the woman, you know? Suddenly she thought she was Victoria Wood.’

Jo Brand is the most prolific female host, having sat in the hottest 19 times, more than anyone else except Angus Deayton and Alexander Armstrong. Kirsty Young has presented it 18 times.

Published: 3 Apr 2018