Angus Deayton, the British comedian and presenter best known for hosting Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY) from 1990 to 2002, faced a major career setback due to a tabloid scandal.

The 2002 Scandal

In May 2002, the News of the World exposed Deayton's alleged cocaine use and sexual encounters with prostitute Caroline Martin, while his partner Lise Mayer was pregnant. Further stories about a mistress followed, leading BBC bosses to sack him after 12 years, fearing it undermined the show's satirical edge. Panelists Ian Hislop and Paul Merton reportedly roasted him on air initially but couldn't sustain it amid repeated headlines.

"Angus was suddenly relieved of his hosting duties after only two episodes in the 24th series."

Career Impact

Deayton's high-profile TV presence faded post-sacking; he called it a "dramatic downfall" from which his stardom never fully recovered. He landed roles like hosting Would I Lie to You? (first two series), Absolute Power with Stephen Fry, and acting in One Foot in the Grave and Waterloo Road as teacher George Windsor.

Recent Activity

As of 2025-2026, Deayton remains active but lower-key. He joined a charity gig "to say thanks for transplants," appeared in viral clips getting "brutally battered" by Merton and Hislop on HIGNFY repeats, and sparked Reddit chats about his charm and fanbase. A 2024 Nobel mix-up with economist Angus Deaton even trended on Twitter. No major comebacks, but he gets steady offers.

Forum Buzz

  • Digital Spy users defend his HIGNFY era, blaming scandals for his exit over team conflicts.
  • Reddit fans gush: "I have an insane crush... totally charming," questioning if he had "dedicated fans" or was just accepted.

TL;DR: Sacked from HIGNFY over 2002 drug/affair scandal; career dipped but he's acted and presented sporadically since, with fond nostalgia online.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.