Jason Manford’s Have I Got News For You spin-off will not be made into a full series even though there was an initial “expectation” after a successful special aired in January
Jason Manford’s Have I Got Sport for You will not be made into a full series. The comedian, 44, fronted the Have I Got News For You spin-off that focused on the goings on in the world of sport and it enjoyed a positive reception when it was aired in January this year.
But almost a year on, it’s thought that the broadcaster has pulled the plug on commissioning the one-off for a full run of episodes, in what has been described as a “surprising” move.
A source said: “Everyone was quite surprised it didn’t make it to a full series, because it was an obvious way to deliver another sport-based show, and a familiar format. There was the expectation that filming could start on a new series at any point in 2025.”
READ MORE: Jason Manford fans devastated as he steps down from much-loved showREAD MORE: Have I Got News For You halted mid-way through filming as star makes Andrew remark
The source added that the show could have acted as a replacement to other sports-themed programmes by the BBC, but suggested that in the end the idea was “overshadowed” by other titles. Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “Particularly as A Question of Sport was cancelled by the Beeb in 2023, and nothing has ever really filled the space it left behind.
“One suggestion is that the fact it dropped as part of the holiday schedules meant it got somewhat overshadowed by bigger offerings, including the Gavin & Stacey finale on BBC One.” A BBC One spokesperson added: “Have I Got Sport for You was a one-off special episode to celebrate a spectacular year of sport in 2024.”
The programme came more than 30 years after Have I Got News For You launched, and at the time, former Waterloo Road star Jason had already fronted the show on occasion when his spin-off was announced. At the time, he said: “It’s such a privilege to be hosting this show – a sports version of Have I Got News For You. It’s an idea that’s so good, it only took them 34 years to come up with it.”
It all comes just days after Jason bid an emotional farewell to his radio show after eight years, leaving listeners overcome. He stepped aside following his final Absolute Radio Sunday morning show towards the end of November, having first taken the mic in 2017. He has yet to explain why he’ll no longer doing to programme, but spoke of his love for his time on the air and says he’ll miss everything about it.
He left a lengthy parting message on his Facebook page after his time on Absolute came to an end. She said: “After 8 years of chatting absolute nonsense with no consequence (or “Nonsequence” as Steve insists!), it’s time to hang up the headphones and say goodbye to my Absolute Radio Sunday morning show.
“Nearly 400 episodes of nonsense, laughter and whatever popped into our heads between the songs. From those early weeks with a revolving cast of comedians to the strange blur of lockdown & since with Steve Edge, it’s meant the world to be part of your Sundays.
“Too many guests to mention but having friends drop in so many times for a chinwag was a real treat, special shoutout to the always wonderful @thesarahmillican who did the show more than most. I’ll miss the silly jingles, the ridiculous games like #BinChat, “Questions for Steve” and “Hit Me With Your Best Chat”, and how so many of you joined in and made it feel like one long, stupid, wonderful conversation.
“Over 800,000 of you tuned in every week and somehow made it one of the most listened-to shows on the station. That’s humbling & a real privilege. Thank you. The podcasts should still be around for a while (although not right now for some technical reason), so you can dip back in if you need your weekly nonsense fix.
“Most of all, I’ll miss logging in to chat to my best mate and share him with you all every Sunday. Steve makes me laugh more than anyone on this planet. (I mean obviously we’ll still chat but having that 3-hour catchup in the diary every week meant we never missed it!)”
Thank you for inviting us into your mornings, your cars, your kitchens and your dog walks. It’s meant more than you’ll ever know. Watch this space in 2026, because I’m sure there will be more Nonsequence (still not convinced that’s a real word, Steve) coming your way.
“Keep sharing octopus & sloth facts, keep using double deckers & football pitches as units of measurements but most of all, if these 8 years has taught us anything, it’s that most neighbourly disputes can be solved by simply putting their windows through.”
He signed off with a cheeky: “You’re welcome, Love always.”
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