Former Conservative Minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns has shared key details about the BBC’s operation behind the scenes, following her recent appearance on Have I Got News For You.
Speaking to GB News, the ex-MP recalled a controversial clash involving Ian Hislop, where she was booed by the audience for praising former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
She had suggested the broadcaster had “selected the audience”, prompting Hislop to retort: “You can’t just say ‘you’ve selected the audience’, you’ve got no evidence for that, no proof, it’s just b*****ks.. This isn’t GB News.”
Despite the challenges, Jenkyns mentioned positive aspects of her experience, revealing: “Behind the scenes was amazing, actually.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns butted heads with Ian Hislop on Friday night’s Have I Got News for You
GB News / BBC
“Everyone was supportive, you meet the panelists and the one you’re pairing up with and actually, Ian was very professional – he was quite kind.”
She praised the behind-the-scenes hospitality, noting: “You actually have a dressing room, which I’ve never had before, and they put some tea on for you, so it was great.”
The former MP, who faced initial boos from the audience, stated that the three-hour recording was condensed to just 30 minutes, resulting in the omission of several of her contributions.
“Unfortunately, some of my lines didn’t get put in there,” Jenkyns told GB News.
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Dame Andrea was booed on arrival to set ahead of the show’s recording
BBC
She added: “I just feel that I just come across as just smiling sweetly, because not a lot of my lines were in there, unfortunately.”
Jenkyns highlighted specific instances of content that didn’t make the final cut and mentioned a comeback line directed at Paul Merton, along with his disapproving look, which was omitted.
She also described being greeted with boos as she walked onto the stage, before the audience was encouraged to applaud.
“I knew it was going to be not an easy ride, but I’m not complaining. It was quite a fun show to do,” Jenkyns said.
The recording lasted for over three hours, which she noted was “a lot to concentrate on for that long”.
The MP also noted that the editing process might have affected her portrayal on the show.
“I guess if it’s three and a nearly three and a half hours worth of footage, to narrow it down to 30 minutes is a big ask,” she acknowledged.
Dame Andrea claims that ‘not many lines’ of hers were used in the final edit of the episode
GB News
Reflecting on the audience reaction, Jenkyns suggested to GB News that certain political leanings might influence attendance at BBC shows.
“I think clearly even if it’s not selected, I think certain people politically want to go on BBC shows in the audience.
“I think more likely it attracts left wing people anyway,” she said.