Angus Deayton could possibly be set to return to Have I Got News For You after 20 years away from the programme, with the show’s creator calling for him to come back.
The presenter was involved in a media scandal and left the programme following reports on his private life, including his alleged use of cocaine and prostitutes while his now ex-partner Lise Mayer was pregnant.
The allegations led to jokes about him being made on the programme by former co-stars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.
However, the programme’s creator Jimmy Mulville believes Angus has ‘served his time’ and wants him to return.
Jimmy, who is the managing director of Hat Trick Productions, told BBC Radio 4: ‘I think it’d be very nice for him [to come back to Have I Got News For You].
‘We’re all a little older now. He’s definitely served his time, and he was a very good host.’
He added: ‘I’m not really asked very often which guests should come on because usually I would say, “Oh, God no. I hate him, her, them. Can we not have them?”
‘And I’m ignored. So if he appears, it would be nothing to do with me.’
Angus has previously dismissed returning to the programme in 2018, telling The Daily Express: ‘They did try to ask me back but I think you can guess my answer. I don’t really have any interest in doing it again.
‘One time was trying to get me to stand in for Jeremy Clarkson and the other was for a memorial programme when it was the 1,000th edition or something. My agent [dealt with it] and she knows what to say in those circumstances. I don’t get involved.’
Since Angus left the show in 2002, it has been hosted by guest presenters. However, Jimmy thinks it’s time for things to go back to how they were before.
Following his exit, Angus has hosted shows such as Would I Lie to You and starred in Waterloo Road.
He also previously starred in the David Renwick sitcom One Foot in the Grave from 1990 until 2000.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to the BBC and Angus Deayton’s representatives for comment.
Have I Got News For You returns on October 8 at 9pm on BBC One.
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