Parkinson (right) will fill Deayton's seat for one show

One of the show's stars, Paul Merton, appeared on Parkinson - and the talk show veteran agreed to return the favour.

"I did his show last night and he's agreed to do it," Merton said after being named best entertainment performer at the TV Baftas.

Have I Got News For You has still not named a permanent replacement for Angus Deayton, who was sacked in October after revelations about his private life.

A string of guest hosts is being lined up for the new series.

"We've also got Charlotte Church and William Hague as well," Merton said.

Merton told Parkinson he never really liked Deayton

"Charlotte has performed in front of the Pope and President Clinton so sitting on a panel game isn't going to be much of a test for her."

But he said he did not know who else would be stepping in.

"I think I will turn up for this next series and find out who the host is on the day," he said.

Merton made a stinging attack on Deayton during his appearance on Parkinson, saying his loss was "not a big deal".

Deayton was "a dull man" and producers were right to sack him, Merton said.

"We didn't really get on. But it worked for the show because there was an animosity there and that was OK," he said.

Permanent successor

After Deayton left, a string of guests hosts including Anne Robinson and MP Boris Johnson filled in for one show each.

At the end of 2002, a hint to the type of permanent successor being sought was given by Jimmy Mulville, joint managing director of production company Hat Trick.

"It won't be a complete unknown," he told a newspaper.

"But it may be a journalist whom we all know but who hasn't done TV before, or an actor who is not an A-lister."