The BBC has insisted that the new series of Have I Got News For You will begin next Friday (April 3) "come what may".

Most TV productions have suspended filming in recent weeks due to the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease, which has led to the UK being put into lockdown in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.

A staple of the BBC schedules for the last 30 years, Have I Got News For You is due to return for its 59th series next week, with Paul Merton and Ian Hislop back as team captains.

In a statement issued today, the BBC confirmed that the show will return on schedule but suggested that the panellists could appear remotely.

It read: "Have I Got News For You is determined to make its usual Friday night show, for its 59th series on 3 April.

"The regulars will be sitting in their usual seats, come what may (although we can't quite be sure where those seats will be). Paul will be using the wonders of modern technology and Ian Hislop will be using semaphore.

"Steph McGovern will be hosting the first show with guest, Miles Jupp and Helen Lewis."

The BBC has also confirmed that the new series of The Graham Norton Show will begin next month with an adapted format.