For a long time , his first six appearances would stand as the show 's record ; his current tally of seven - the last being in 2002 - fall one short of the record for guest appearances currently held by Germaine Greer and Will Self . For a long time , his first six appearances would stand as the show 's record ; his current tally of nine - the most recent being in December 2010 - fall one short of the record for guest appearances as a panellist ( without appearing as host or team captain ) held by Andy Hamilton .