Deayton's possible successors

Angus Deayton: Currently at the helm

Angus Deayton has been forced to step down from Have I Got News For You following allegations about his private life in the tabloid press.
BBC News Online profiles the favourites to succeed him.

---

Dermot Murnaghan

Job: BBC Breakfast presenter, former ITV News frontman
Style: Unflappable under pressure but does he have the wit to compete with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton?
HIGNFY appearance: 2001
Said: "Who said investigative reporting is dead on ITV? We discovered Fergie was fat."

---

John Sergeant

Job: Political editor ITV News
Style: Dry humour, well respected and has stage experience alongside Michael Palin. Leaving ITN in December.
HIGNFY appearances: Hugely popular appearances in 1998, 1999, 2001
Said: "Yes. I came over looking silly there!", referring to his famous ambush by Margaret Thatcher in Paris while a BBC reporter.

---

Stephen Fry

Job: Actor
Style: Oscar Wildean wit but can he rein in his verbal excesses as a presenter? Considered to be one of the finest ever guests on the show.
HIGNFY appearances: 1992, 1999, 2000
Said: "I have not penetrated Prince Edward's intimate circle."

---

Andrew Marr

Job: BBC political editor
Style:Erudite and passionate, his skills are without question but does he have the populist touch?
HIGNFY appearance:2001
Said: "I said I was going to put her in a burqa, and then she pointed out she'd no need to worry as I'd never get the right size," referring to a row with his wife over Christmas shopping.

---

Clive Anderson

Job: Comedian
Style: Quick-witted, betraying his roots as a former barrister. Seemingly fuelled by nervous energy.
HIGNFY appearances:
1990, 1991, 1996, 2000, 2001
Said: Went through one festive special constantly referring to a drinks brand. "Schweppes! I think they're very good - and let's see who gets a crate of it delivered in time for Christmas tomorrow."

With thanks to the Have I Got News For You Definitive Guide website.