IT’S been talked about for months, but the BBC has finally confirmed it is making Have I Got Sport For You.
A spin-off of Have I Got News For You, I can reveal it will be hosted by comedian Jason Manford, with panellists including promoter Eddie Hearn and Paralympian Kadeena Cox.
A sports version of Have I Got News For You has been filmed – and will be hosted by Jason Manford[/caption]
The first outing will be a festive special looking back on the past year of sport.
But bosses hope it will become a full series which, like the 34-year-old HIGNFY, will reflect on the week’s events.
A TV insider said: “This spin-off will follow a similar format to the current affairs show, in that it will take a lighter look at the world of sport.
“Obviously it will draw some comparisons with the now defunct A Question Of Sport, but that was much more of a straight quiz, whereas the quiz element with HIGNFY plays second fiddle to the banter.”
Which is exactly why they’ve given the hosting job to funnyman Jason, who has previously appeared on A Question Of Sport and has taken part in Sport Relief.
Confirming the news, Jason said: “It’s such a privilege to be hosting this show — a sports version of Have I Got News For You.
“It’s an idea that’s so good, it only took them 34 years to come up with it.”
The special has just been filmed in Hammersmith, West London, and is likely to air towards the end of the year.
Then there are hopes it might become a full series at some point in 2025, with Jason as the permanent host.
Yesterday, Beeb bosses were keeping quiet about who was on the full line-up of the panel for the special.
A spokesman for the show said: “As with all starting line-ups, any players would be confirmed just before kick-off.”
Here’s hoping they haven’t had to pay their signings the usual footballers’ wages, too.
CELEBS HUNT FOR COUNTRY ESCAPE
THE celebrity version of Escape To The Country is returning for Christmas.
Each one-hour episode of the BBC One series will see a different star – former sprinter Linford Christie, singer Alfie Boe, broadcaster Anita Rani, H from Steps, journalist Kaye Adams and entrepreneur Tim Campbell – hunt for a rural retreat, while also hearing about why they’re thinking about quitting the city.
The search for the perfect homes will take place across the UK.
The BBC’s Julie Shaw said: “This series we get an insight into the celebrities, their careers and their families, essentially the journey they’ve been on from where they began long before the cameras and spotlights.”
The first series drew in three million viewers and the new outing begins next month.
LEG IT ALL OUT, CLARA
CLARA Amfo looks a shining beacon of body positivity – but she has had to fight an inner battle to accept her body image.
The Radio 1 DJ turned telly host even considered liposuction last year.
Clara Amfo had to fight an inner battle to accept her body image[/caption]
The full Clara Amfo interview is available to read now on the Women’s Health website[/caption]
She told Women’s Health magazine: “I’ll be so real with you, I was debating having lipo because I got in my head.
“I had the consultation and everything. Then I obsessively researched things so I think I scared myself out of it to be honest.”
As the lifestyle mag’s cover girl, she added: “This is the body that I like. I think I look good.
“But you step up, particularly into the media or entertainment world, and be like, damn, should I be hating myself right now?
“Everyone is really thin. You’ve really got to hold your nerve to stay so confident in yourself.”
The full Clara Amfo interview is available to read now on the Women’s Health website or in the magazine, out now.
VANESSA: MY JUICY SECRET
VANESSA WILLIAMS has carved out a niche playing fabulous divas in shows such as Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives.
But she is surprisingly downmarket in her tastes.
While staying in the UK to star in The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, she confessed: “I’ve been watching Married At First Sight, I’m obsessed with it. I watch the American one, but the UK one is much better. Really juicy!”
She plays magazine boss Miranda Priestly in the theatre show – and it’s been challenging.
She added on the Dish podcast: “At 61, my mind is not as agile as these twenty-somethings that can memorise new lyrics and lines.
“I’ve got sticky notes and pads all over the place.”
