No plans for full series of Have I Got Sport for You
Have I Got Sport for You won't be turned into a full series, despite a one-off special proving popular.
Have I Got Sport for You won't be turned into a full series.
Jason Manford hosted a one-off special of the Have I Got News for You spin-off back in January, and while it was a hit with viewers, it has now been confirmed that the BBC have decided against taking the format any further.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Everyone was quite surprised it didn’t make it to a full series, because it was an obvious way to deliver another sport-based show, and a familiar format.
“There was the expectation that filming could start on a new series at any point in 2025.
“Particularly as A Question of Sport was cancelled by the Beeb in 2023, and nothing has ever really filled the space it left behind.
“One suggestion is that the fact it dropped as part of the holiday schedules meant it got somewhat overshadowed by bigger offerings, including the Gavin and Stacey finale on BBC One.”
A BBC spokesperson insisted the show was always planned as a one-off special to mark the "spectacular" previous 12 months.
They said: “Have I Got Sport for You was a one-off special episode to celebrate a spectacular year of sport in 2024.”
Before the special aired, it was reported that there were hopes for a full series of the show.
A source told The Sun newspaper at the time: "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.”
Jason previously told of how he'd had a great time filming the show.
He said: "It was different. It’s funny because we filmed at the Have I Got News for You set but they repurposed it for us. So, it was funny to be there.
"It was great. Jon Richardson has obviously done billions of panel shows. Maisie Adam is a brilliant comedian who loves her sport.
"She plays women’s football and I have played Soccer Aid with her. It was a really good bunch of people.
"It’s a real good laugh! It’s very warm and funny. Its pre-watershed, so we are not quite as near the knuckle as our sister show.
"We still get there. We still have a lot of fun with each other. We have great guests and a lovely full look back at the year of sport."
