Deayton sorry to have been 'forced out'

Angus Deayton said tonight he was sorry to have been "forced" out from Have I Got News For You - but looked forward to watching Friday's show.

In a statement, he said: “I’m very sorry to have been forced to leave a show that I’ve enjoyed immensely and has been part of my life for the past 12 years.

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity of working with Paul and Ian, whose talents will ensure that the show will continue entertaining millions each week.

“I sincerely wish the show well in the future and look forward to watching this Friday’s episode...from behind the sofa.”

Deayton had increasingly become the subject of the show, where once he had been able to take a detached air of superiority.

Earlier this year he had managed to weather the storm as his screen pals gave him a savaging. Merton wore a t-shirt bearing a newspaper front page concerning his fling with a prostitute.

But when this series began he found that his witticisms were volleyed back by guests such as Christine Hamilton, who poked fun at his personal life.

He is understood to have had a pay cut for this series of the show following his embarrassing fall from grace.