Have I Got a Bit More News for You

Steph McGovern (Host)

Born: May 31, 1982 in Middlesborough

Best Known For: Presenting BBC Breakfast.

Early-life: Stephanie Rose McGovern was born on May 31, 1982 in Middlesbrough. During her teen years, she was awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship for her potential to be a future leader in the engineering sector. She then went on to study Science Communication and Policy at University College London.

Career: McGovern did work experience on the BBC's Tomorrow's World programme before getting a part-time job as a researcher in current affairs. After graduating from university, she became the main producer for daily financial news on Radio 4's Today programme and later the lead producer for business news on various BBC news programmes, working alongside business editor Robert Peston. McGovern made her debut as a presenter in 2012 on BBC Breakfast. She became the show's main business presenter, as well as an occasional co-host for the main show. Other TV shows she has worked on include Pocket Money Pitch, Shop Well for Less?, Can Britain Have a Pay Rise? and Watchdog.

Quote: "If there is one thing my experiences have taught me it's that you have to be true to yourself. People will like you more."

Trivia: She is a former champion Irish dancer.

Paul Merton (Team captain)

Born: January 17, 1957 in London

Best Known For: Have I Got News For You.

Early-life: Born Paul James Martin in Parsons Green, London, on January 17, 1957. He grew up in Merton, South London, and took his stage name from the district because somebody else called Paul Martin was registered with Equity when he tried to join. His father was a guard on the Underground in Fulham, his mother was a nurse and he has a sister, Angela. Paul was inspired to become a comedian at the age of three following a trip to the circus. After failing his 11-plus he went to a Catholic comprehensive school where he gained two A-levels but decided against going to university.

Career: Merton worked at the Tooting Employment Office while gaining experience at the London Comedy Store before moving onto the cabaret circuit. He made his TV debut in a small role in a 1984 episode of The Young Ones. After 10 years of performing, his TV career took off thanks to Whose Line Is It Anyway? He then wrote Paul Merton, the Series for Channel 4. Have I Got News For You made him a household name. He claims a highlight of his career was performing at the London Palladium. Merton also hosted Room 101 and is a regular on TV and radio. He has filmed travelogues to China and India for Channel 5 and presented various documentaries on the subject of comedy and silent film for the BBC.

Quote: "I don't suffer from pre-show terror or anything like that. I assume if people have paid money to see me they already think I'm funny and that does give you confidence."

Trivia: In 2014, he published his autobiography, Only When I Laugh.

Ian Hislop (Team captain)

Born: July 13, 1960 in The Mumbles, Wales

Best Known For: Being a team captain on Have I Got News For You.

Early-life: Born July 13, 1960, in The Mumbles, Wales, but moved around a lot due to his father's job as a civil engineer. The family spent time in Nigeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Hislop was educated at boarding school before studying English at Oxford, where he performed in revues and edited the magazine Passing Wind. During this time he met Peter Cook for the first time, who then owned satirical magazine Private Eye.

Career: Hislop began submitting articles to Private Eye in 1980, eventually becoming deputy editor. When editor Richard Ingrams, one of the magazine's founders, quit in 1986, Cook offered him his job. Hislop has also regularly contributed to numerous publications, including The Listener, The Sunday Telegraph, The Spectator, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Literary Review and Time Out. Hislop's TV work began in 1983 with an appearance on Loose Talk and scripts for Spitting Image. He became a familiar face thanks to Have I Got News For You, which began its run in 1990. He also co-wrote family sitcom My Dad's the Prime Minister.

Quote: "It is no longer acceptable in British politics to be fat or eccentric or religious."

Trivia: Hislop had a small role in the Greek TV series The Island, which was based on his wife's bestselling novel.

Jamie MacDonald (Panellist)

Hannah Fry (Panellist)

Mike Rayment (Series producer)

Jack Harris (Producer)

Paul Wheeler (Director)

10:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Friday, December 26 on U&Dave (19)

About this Broadcast

Season 64, Episode 8

Cast & Crew

More Information

Did You Know..

Before / After