TV
Merton misses 'Have I Got News' with illness
Published Friday, Nov 21 2008, 12:54 GMT | By Alex Fletcher
Paul Merton has pulled out of this week's episode of Have I Got News For You due to illness.
The comedian and team captain, 51, is suffering from a kidney infection. Stand-up comic Frank Skinner will replace him on the topical panel show.
"Paul loves filming the show and really tried to avoid taking the day off," a source told The Sun.
"It's only a minor infection but he was too sick to film the show. Luckily, Frank stepped in and Paul was able to stay home and get some rest."
Merton stood down from the show during its eleventh series in 1996, but returned afterwards claiming it had been given a "shot in the arm" in his absence.
The comedian and team captain, 51, is suffering from a kidney infection. Stand-up comic Frank Skinner will replace him on the topical panel show.
"Paul loves filming the show and really tried to avoid taking the day off," a source told The Sun.
"It's only a minor infection but he was too sick to film the show. Luckily, Frank stepped in and Paul was able to stay home and get some rest."
Merton stood down from the show during its eleventh series in 1996, but returned afterwards claiming it had been given a "shot in the arm" in his absence.
More: Paul Merton, TV
Tube Talk
'Simpsons' ultimate countdown (15-11)The countdown of the greatest Simpsons episodes continues.
TV Interviews
'Upstairs Downstairs' Neil Jackson Q&ANeil Jackson chats to Digital Spy about Upstairs Downstairs series two.
Reality Bites
'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' returns: ReviewReality Bites's verdict on the return of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.
TV Ratings
Big Fat Gypsy Weddings takes nearly 4mThe return of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings draws more than 4.8 million viewers.
