Papers have got news for sacked Deayton

Shamed TV host Angus Deayton was waking up to his own news headlines today after being axed from BBC1’s top satirical quiz show.

Deayton, 45, was last night forced to “step down” as host of Have I Got News For You after allegations about his sex life and use of drugs made his position “untenable”.

The presenter just survived on the show earlier this year when reports of a fling with a prostitute first emerged.

But last night both the BBC and the independent producers of the show, Hat Trick Productions, asked him to step down with immediate effect.

Deayton said he was sorry to be leaving the show that had been part of his life for 12 years.

In a statement, he added: “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 been contracted to a full series of the show, and only two editions have now been screened.

But a statement released by the BBC said: “It is felt by all concerned that continuing stories in the media about Angus’ private life have made him the subject of headlines rather than a commentator on them.

“This has made his position as host of the topical news quiz untenable.”

BBC bosses had said in August they would be keeping his situation under review following stories about his off-screen activities.

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.

But he was mercilessly ribbed by the show’s panellists, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, on Friday’s edition after further stories appeared.

His position as show host will be filled by Merton this week while a new host is sought.

Deayton’s departure from Have I Got News For You is not expected to affect his position on other shows such as Before They Were Famous.

The show started on BBC2 in 1990, but was such a big hit it made the leap to BBC1 where it pulled in a strong audience on Friday evenings.

Deayton made no further comment when he returned to his home in Islington, north London, last night.