Final run for Merton's 'Room 101'

A new series of Room 101, which begins on BBC Two next month, will be comedian Paul Merton's last stint presenting the show.

His guests will include Cilla Black, comedian Marcus Brigstocke, actor Nigel Havers, comedian Mark Steel, Davina McCall and Ian Hislop, Merton's rival team captain on Have I Got News For You, who will be his very last guest.

Merton said: "I've had a wonderful time hosting Room 101 and I'm delighted that it has lasted so long – and long may it continue. My personal highlight was talking to Spike Milligan, which was one of his last television appearances before he died."

He adds: "The one thing I would put in Room 101 would be canned laughter."

The series, which airs on January 5, has been produced Hat Trick Productions.