Ian Hislop made a light-hearted joke about a ‘gunshot’ incident involving a taxi on his return to the popular BBC show Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY). The editor of Private Eye recounted how he was in a black cab in London’s Soho when the car window shattered, sparking initial fears of a shooting. Police investigations revealed that there was no gunshot involved, with indications pointing towards a mechanical fault causing the window to break. The incident occurred earlier in the week before Hislop’s appearance on the comedy panel show.
During the show, Hislop was joined by fellow panellist Paul Merton, who quipped, “I have an alibi,” in jest. The humorous exchange entertained the audience and added a touch of levity to the evening’s episode of HIGNFY.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected turns that life can sometimes take, even for well-known personalities like Ian Hislop. Despite the initial alarm caused by the shattered window, the situation turned out to be a peculiar yet harmless mechanical occurrence rather than a dangerous attack.
Hislop’s ability to find humour in the unusual incident reflects his quick wit and comedic talent, which have made him a beloved figure on Have I Got News For You for many years. The audience’s positive reaction to his joke highlights the show’s enduring appeal and the skill of its panellists in turning real-life events into entertaining banter.
As the new series of HIGNFY kicks off, viewers can look forward to more hilarious moments and witty commentary from Hislop, Merton, and the rest of the panel as they dissect the week’s news with their trademark brand of satire and humour. The incident may have been a surprising start to Hislop’s return, but it ultimately provided fodder for comedy and lighthearted entertainment on the popular television show.