'Have I Got News For You' returns with Boris Johnson 'tribute' special

Have I Got News For You kicks off its new series with a special "tribute" episode to outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson tonight.

The BBC One topical comedy panel show begins on Friday, 2 September with a first episode entitled Have I Got News For Boris - A Special Tribute as the opener to its 64th series.

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Fans of the show will notice that it is back on screens earlier than usual – with the Johnson episode set to air tonight – because of the World Cup schedule beginning in November.

BBC One describes the special episode as "a romp through the soon-to-be ex-prime minister’s career and his distinctive contribution to British politics, on the eve of his departure".

It will be hosted by comedian Jack Dee, with long-running team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton joined by guest teammates journalist Janet Street-Porter and comedian Phil Wang for the series opener.

Johnson is set to officially leave office on Tuesday after resigning from his post on 7 July.

The new prime minister, which will be either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss, will be announced on Monday, the day before Johnson's departure.

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Angus Deayton originally hosted the show from its debut in 1990 until 2002, when he was sacked following a series of tabloid revelations about drug use and hiring prostitutes.

Since his departure, there has been no permanent replacement for him, with a series of guest presenters taking on the role.

Johnson has been the guest presenter four times, although he last appeared in 2006.

Other notable hosts over the years have included Danny Dyer, Sir Patrick Stewart, Charlotte Church and Sir Roger Moore.

Pointless host Alexander Armstrong has the most episodes to his name as guest host with 37, while comedian Jo Brand is on 27 episodes.

Only Connect's Victoria Coren Mitchell has hosted 16 times and her husband, comedian David Mitchell, has hosted 13 times.

Have I Got News For Boris - A Special Tribute will air on Friday, 2 September at 9pm on BBC One.

Watch: Removal vans outside No. 10 ahead of Johnson's departure