Big Impression star Alistair McGowan has signed to be a team captain on the BBC's new topical quiz show, 29 Minutes of Fame.

The series, hosted by Bob Mortimer, ridicules the cult of celebrity, and begins on Friday night.

"It's like Have I Got News For You without the politics," an insider told The Mirror.

McGowan's Big Impression co-star Ronni Ancona is currently having a baby. Alistair will compete against Jo Brand, who has already been confirmed as a second team captain.