The BBC has pulled the plug on plans to turn comedian Jason Manford's sports-themed panel show special into a full series, in a move described as 'surprising' by insiders.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Jason Manford, 44, fronted the one-off special 'Have I Got Sport For You' in January 2025. The programme, a spin-off from the long-running Have I Got News For You, focused on the world of sport and was met with a positive reception from viewers. It was seen as a potential successor to fill the gap left by the cancellation of A Question of Sport in 2023.
A source close to the production revealed the decision not to proceed was unexpected. 'Everyone was quite surprised it didn’t make it to a full series,' they said, noting it was an obvious vehicle for another sport-based show in a familiar format. There had been an expectation that filming for a series could begin at any point during 2025.
Why Was The Show Axed?
The insider suggested the special's scheduling may have ultimately worked against it. Broadcasting during the holiday period meant it was 'overshadowed by bigger offerings', notably the finale of Gavin & Stacey on BBC One. This lack of standout impact appears to have influenced the broadcaster's final decision.
When approached for comment, a BBC One spokesperson stated: 'Have I Got Sport for You was a one-off special episode to celebrate a spectacular year of sport in 2024.' This official line confirms the corporation's view of the project as a standalone event rather than a pilot.
Manford's Recent Farewells
The news follows shortly after Jason Manford's emotional departure from his Absolute Radio Sunday morning show after eight years. His final broadcast was in late November 2025. In a lengthy Facebook post, the comedian expressed his love for the show and its listeners, signing off with his trademark humour.
He wrote about missing the 'nonsense, laughter' and weekly catch-ups with co-host Steve Edge, thanking the over 800,000 weekly listeners. Manford hinted at future projects, telling fans to 'watch this space in 2026'.
The decision on Have I Got Sport For You marks the end of a potential new chapter for the Have I Got News For You franchise, which launched over 30 years ago. For now, fans of the format and Jason Manford will have to look elsewhere for their weekly fix of sporting satire.
