Ian Hislop and
Paul Merton are team captains for the BBC show
Have I Got News for You. They have been for about eighteen years. Ian has appeared in every single episode, while Paul missed most of series eleven. Throughout the show, the two have taken quips at each other, except in the Angus show, in which they teamed up against the former host, Angus Deayton after allegations of drug-use and use of prostitution. However it is apparent that off the screen as well as on that they have a healthly friendship (
Room 101 for example.)
Their differences in class and status attribute to the interaction between the two team captains. Paul sees Ian as "posh" while Ian sees Paul as "lower class." Ian boasts about his Oxford education while Paul always mentions his CSE metalwork ungraded. However, it is understood that in real life that they both respect the other in terms of their own "trades." One of their best moments is the Angus show from HIGNFY in which both gang up on Angus. One memorable moment is the following:
Paul: I'm surprised you had the nerve to turn up this week, really. You knew it was going to be like this.
Angus: Well I did, yes. Because of you two.
(looks at Ian) Paul: Yes in a way it's our fault, isn't it?
(looks at Paul) Ian: I certainly felt to blame, personally, didn't you?
