BBC Have I Got News For You host 'quits' BBC show as Andrea Jenkyns makes Boris comment

Amol Rajan was hosting the show for the first time. However, not everyone was left impressed...

Amol Rajan brought a touch of humour to his debut as host on Have I Got News For You tonight, feigning confusion about the show he was presenting. He quipped that he must be on the wrong programme and mockingly made to leave the set.

The BBC presenter introduced panellists Dame Andrea Jenkyns and actor-comedian Miles Jupp for the fresh episode, alongside regular team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop. The show's format remained true to its roots, with contestants engaging in a satirical quiz centred around current affairs and news headlines from the week.

During the show, ex-MP for Morley and Outwood, Andrea, expressed her ongoing support for Boris Johnson, who was PM and Conservative Party leader until 2022, saying she "didn't think it was over" for him and declaring, "I still think Boris was one of our better Prime Ministers."

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This remark was met with a vocal expression of dissent from the audience. Andrea then playfully accused Amol of handpicking the audience, suggesting bias against Boris Johnson and the Conservatives, to which Ian sharply retorted: "You can't just say 'you've selected the audience'. You've got no evidence for that, no proof. It's just b*******.", reports the Express.

He continued with a jibe at GB News, stating: "This isn't GB News!" Seizing the moment for comedic effect, Amol interjected: "Hang on, this isn't GB News? " Pretending to realise a mistake, he stood up and acted as if ready to walk off, jesting: "I thought I was on GB News... I'm in the wrong place altogether! ".

He then opted to return to his seat and continue with the show, prompting the audience to burst into laughter. Viewers on Twitter were divided over the humorous incident, with one commenting: "Typical #BBC... yet another lefty audience that can't resist booing Boris. True to form, balance seems to be the last thing on the BBC menu. Well done @andreajenkyns! Boris will be back, we all know it! #HIGNFY fast becoming old hat but #GBNews is where the growth is. #BBCBias."

Another viewer tweeted: "One of the only three programs i watch on TV these days - @haveigotnews, @Channel4News, University Challenge - moments like this are why I still do."

A third viewer expressed discomfort, stating: "This mixture of politicians and journalists is so jolly it makes me very uncomfortable."