Have I Got News For You stars attacked for ‘mansplaining’ remarks

THE BBC faced fury from female politicians and comedians yesterday after Ian Hislop suggested women were “too modest” to want to appear on Have I Got News For You.

Hislop and Paul Merton, the team leaders, said the show’s gender ratio was so poor because women rejected offers to appear. The satirical quiz has been presented by 11 politicians in its 28-year history, but only once by a woman, Ann Widdecombe. Merton told Radio Times: “The producers always ask more women than men. More women say no.”

Hislop agreed, explaining: “On the whole, women are slightly more reticent and think, maybe modestly: ‘I can’t do that.’ Maybe more men in public life say: ‘Yes I can do that.’”

But Janey Godley, an award-winning comedian who presents BBC shows, retorted: “I’ll do it, but never been asked.”

Lynne Parker, founder of the Funny Woman Awards, said the show had not shown much interest in female comics. She tweeted: “Fifteen years and (as far as I’m aware) #HIGNFY never shown interest in what we do, ever. We’ve showcased nearly 1,000 women comedy performers, writers and filmmakers.”

Anna Soubry, the Conservative MP, said she had twice turned down offers to appear as a panellist, but when she offered to host the show she was refused. She tweeted: “A charming #Ianhislop called and invited me on the panel of #HIGNFY (again). I declined not because I’m a woman but because I’m a politician and not daft! I offered to present it but he turned me down. I’m still available, boys.”

Ayesha Hazarika, a comic and former Labour adviser, said she would be happy to host but had never been asked, while comedian Rosie Fletcher offered her services, tweeting: “Luckily I am not too modest for anything and would do this – and be brilliant at it.” But while many poured scorn on Hislop’s words, accusing him of “mansplaining”, Nadine Dorries said the show was “too vicious” for women.

The Tory MP said: “I find it too vicious. I know people like that – that’s why they love the programme.”

The 55th series begins on Friday with Jeremy Paxman in the host’s seat.