Have I Got News for You season 69: release date, star guests and everything we know

An image of Ian Hislop and Paul Merton smiling jovially behind-the-scenes on the set of Have I Got News for You.

Good news for fans of Have I Got News for You, the BBC series is back for a 69th outing.

Here’s everything we know so far…

Please note: This is a live document and will be updated regularly as the names of guest panellists and presenters are announced.

Have I Got News for You season 69 — release date

Have I Got News for You season 69 airs weekly from Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The slightly longer version Have I Got a Bit More News For You airs weekly on Monday nights at various times (See our TV guide). Both versions are available on BBC iPlayer.

Have I Got News for You season 69 — episode guide

Episode 1

Airdate: Friday 04 April 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Presenter and actor Alexander Armstrong.

Guest panellists: Broadcaster Steph McGovern and comedian Phil Wang join regular panellists and stars of the show Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.

This is Alexander's 42nd appearance as guest host, while Steph and Phil are making their 15th and 14th appearances on the programme respectively.

Alexander Armstrong is set to host HIGNFY for the 42nd time. (Image credit: Hat Trick Productions )

Episode 2

Airdate: Friday 11 April 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Presenter and actor Martin Clunes makes his 21st appearance on the programme.

Guest panellists: Helen Lewis making her 11th appearance and comedian Ian Smith making his HIGNFY debut.

HIGNFY favourite Martin Clunes returns. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick.)

Episode 3

Airdate: Friday 18 April 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Actor Katherine Parkinson.

Guest panellists: Comedian Julian Clary and journalist Jemima Kelly.

Speaking about her HIGNFY debut Katherine said: "It’s such an honour to present this institution of a show, one that I’ve enjoyed watching for years.

"I really hope I can read the autocue, I think I probably need glasses now. I suppose we’ll find out."

This is Julian's first time on the show since 2008 and Jemima's debut.

Katherine Parkinson making her making her HIGNFY debut. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick.)

Episode 4

Airdate: Friday 25 April 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Angela Rippon.

Guest panellists: Presenter Richard Osman and comedian Jo Brand.

Angela appeared on programme in 2000 as a panellist but this is her first time in the hosting seat.

“It’s been a few years since I said this, but Have I Got News For You!" says the iconic British broadcaster. "I can’t wait to hear how captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, along with their teams, will mangle and mash the news headlines of the day. It definitely won’t be the News at Ten – what it will be, is a lot more fun.”

Angela Rippon on her return to HIGNFY. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick.)

Episode 5

Airdate: Friday 02 May 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Sue Perkins.

Guest panellists: US Comedian Michelle Wolf and journalist Tom Peck.

This is Sue and Michelle's debut on the show and Tom's second appearance.

Sue Perkins on HIGNFY in October 2015. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick/Richard Kendal)

Episode 6

Airdate: Friday 09 May 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: David Tennant.

Guest panellists: Comedian Miles Jupp and journalist Beth Rigby have been confirmed as panellists for this episode.

This is David Tennant's ninth time hosting HIGNFY and Mile Jupp's 18th appearance on the show.

David Tennant hosting HIGNFY in April 2023 for Series 65. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick.)

Episode 7

Airdate: Friday 16 May 2025, BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm.

Guest host: Stephen Mangan.

Guest panellists: TBC.

This is Stephen's 16th time on HIGNFY.

Stephan Mangan on HIGNFY series 68, December 2024. (Image credit: BBC/Hat Trick)

HIGNFY - stars guests from seasons past

Previous seasons of HIGNFY are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with a range of star guests including Harry Hill, Clive Myrie, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Bill Bailey and Mel Giedroyc.

Speaking about what makes a good guest host Paul Merton says: “You find that generally actors are great at doing it because they are used to sharing the stage with other people. David Tennant, for example, is superb, because he's used to being in situations where he's not the only one talking. So he won't interrupt until it feels like you've run out of steam or you've come to a natural conclusion.”

Ian Hislop adds: “I'll tell you who's also been really good, Mel Giedroyc. She was absolutely fabulous. She wanted everyone to be part of a gang. She kept saying ‘hello, gang’. Which was great because Paul and I really don't like gangs!”

Mel Giedroyc is a hit in the role of host on HIGNFY. Fingers crossed for a return in season 69. (Image credit: Hat Trick)

HIGNFY season 68 - complete guide

HIGNFY season 67 - complete guide

HIGNFY season 66 - complete guide