Tuesday 30 August 2022 01:43 AM EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Could it be the last laugh for HIGNFY? trends now
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With Paul Merton and Ian Hislop clearing their throats to mock Boris in this week's first episode of the 64th series of Have I Got News For You, could this be the last outing for the jaded BBC satirical news show?
Having axed Mock The Week, Beeb cost-cutting bean counters perceive an opportunity to save millions ditching HIGNFY after 32 years.
Including auxiliary staff, the two annual series cost around £2million in 'talent' alone. With Hislop and Merton earning around £20,000 each per show and guest hosts trousering up to £15,000 a time, it doesn't come cheap.
The BBC has already been testing the waters. Recent repeat broadcasts of Have I Got Old News For You have removed 'Old' from the title. Did anyone notice?
Tomorrow's 25th anniversary of Diana's death will be marked by the Queen with private prayer at Balmoral. HM only formally marks the tenth anniversary of royal deaths. She came to London from Balmoral for Diana's tenth anniversary in 2007 and attended a service at St George's Chapel in 2012 for her mother and sister Margaret's milestone. A committed Christian, she is quite
