Ian Hislop and former Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns engaged in a tense exchange during a recent episode of Have I Got News For You, as reported by The Independent. The disagreement unfolded when Jenkyns expressed admiration for ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, sparking disapproval from the studio audience. She went on to suggest that the show’s audience had been specifically chosen to be critical of the Conservative party, a claim that Hislop promptly dismissed as “rubbish.”
Hislop, known for his role as one of the team captains on the popular BBC panel show, alongside comedian Paul Merton, labelled Jenkyns’ accusation as unfounded. Jenkyns, who previously served as the Member of Parliament for Morley and Outwood, highlighted her support for Johnson despite the controversies surrounding his tenure, including the much-debated “partygate” scandal.
During the exchange on the show, Jenkyns hinted at the audience bias by saying to Hislop, “I see you’ve selected the audience. The people who don’t like Boris or Conservatives.” Hislop swiftly responded by stating, “You can’t just say, ‘You’ve selected the audience.’ You’ve got no evidence for that, no proof. It’s just rubbish. This isn’t GB News.”
The clash between Hislop and Jenkyns garnered reactions on social media, with many viewers describing it as awkward. In a separate incident earlier this month, Hislop made headlines after a taxi he was travelling in was mistakenly believed to have been targeted by gunfire. However, subsequent investigations revealed that it was likely a mechanical fault that caused the car window to shatter, rather than a gunshot.
The incident was turned into a light-hearted moment on Have I Got News For You, with Hislop and Merton finding humour in the situation. As Merton jokingly remarked, “I have an alibi.” The exchange between Hislop and Jenkyns offers a glimpse into the spirited debates and humorous moments that often characterise the long-running show.
The back-and-forth between Hislop and Jenkyns underscores the lively dynamics that can arise on Have I Got News For You, where differing opinions and witty banter combine to create engaging television moments. Stay tuned for more updates and unexpected exchanges on the show, as personalities from various backgrounds come together to discuss and debate the latest news and current affairs.