The format of Have I Got News for You is derived from the comedy that can be generated by each guest that participates in the programme, whether as a panellist or as a host. Although the show features a variety of comedians, it has also included politicians, television personalities, actors and news media personalities, several of whom have appeared more than once. As of 16 October 2020, Alexander Armstrong had appeared most often, mainly as guest host and also as a panellist, while Andy Hamilton had appeared most often as a guest panellist.
the ForMAt of Have i goT NEws for you iS DERiVeD FrOm the comeDY thaT can Be generAted By EAch gUesT That PaRTiCipatEs IN tHe PRoGraMMe, WhEtheR as a paNEllIsT or as a hOsT. AlthougH The shOW features A vAriety of ComeDiAns, it hAs aLSO iNcludEd PoLitICiaNs, televISiON peRsOnalitieS, acTors and NewS Media PersoNalitIes, SEVErAl oF wHoM HAVe APPearEd more thaN OncE. as of 16 oCTobER 2020, alexandEr aRMstROng HAd aPpEARed MosT ofTEn, mainly As guest hosT And aLsO as a pAnelliSt, while anDy hamiltOn hAd aPpeAred MosT oFten as a gUEST PaNELlISt.