Clive Myrie: Why the BBC dropped me from News At Ten after HIGNFY

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Renowned newsreader Clive Myrie, 58, has shed light on why he was hastily removed from BBC News At Ten, following his guest appearance on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).

Citing an issue of timing, he explained that the two programmes aired "too close" to one another. The seasoned journalist hosted the hit comedy show last Friday, which delved into the ramifications of Boris Johnson's decision to resign as an MP and the unveiling of his honours list.

Yet, as reported by The Times last Thursday, the BBC, fearing allegations of bias, replaced Myrie on the nightly news slot with fellow newsreader Jane Hill.

On Thursday's episode of Steph’s Packed Lunch, when queried about when he learned of his removal, Bolton-born Myrie revealed: "It was after I had recorded the show (HIGNFY), which is the day before." He further stated on the Channel 4 show that he "couldn't do" the news bulletin on the same night, given its airtime was merely half an hour before the comedy panel show, featuring Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and comedian Paul Merton.