AngusDeayton

Subsequently, Radio Active had a healthy run on Radio 4, before metamorphosing into KYTV for BBC TWO.

Concurrent to this, Deayton's smooth, slightly condescending delivery was put to good use as a straight man to Rowan Atkinson on stage and screen.

Often in demand for adverts, by 1990 he secured success as Victor Meldrew's neighbour in One Foot In the Grave and more famously as the host of Have I Got News For You.

He was the perfect foil for his co-stars, providing flippant, sardonic and quick witted asides, until a tabloid sex scandal lost him the job.

Recently forced to squander his talents on Hell's Kitchen and clip shows on the more anodyne end of the market, his roles in Nighty Night and Absolute Power hint at possible career rehabilitation.