Boris Johnson episode of Have I Got News For You has viewers divided

Viewers have been left divided over Boris Johnson's 'brutal' send-off instalment of Have I Got News For You.

As Johnson's time in Number 10 approaches an end, the prime minister was roasted good-style during the special episode which aired last night (2 September), titled Have I Got News for Boris: A Very Special Tribute.

Now, we all know the show isn't exactly known for holding back, so it's safe to say had Johnson tuned in, he was in for a pretty uncomfortable evening.

Have I Got News For Boris: A Special Tribute.
Hosted by @TheRealJackDee, with panellists @PhilNWang and @The_Real_JSP joining Ian and Paul. Tonight - 9:30pm on BBC One. pic.twitter.com/tDRyyvOyDG

— Have I Got News For You (@haveigotnews) September 2, 2022

During the episode, panellists wasted no time in ripping into the PM - who announced his resignation back in July - with Paul Merton pointing out how the episode had been branded a 'tribute', to which Ian Hislop responded: "Tribute? Funny way to spell ‘good riddance’."

Also included in the send-off special were clips of Johnson training with forces over in Ukraine, which drew comparisons to 'someone's nan' from the panel, as well as clips from the PM's earlier appearances on the show itself.

After watching, many viewers saw the funny side of the episode, while others deemed it 'disrespectful.

One amused viewer wrote: "The Have I Got News For You #HIGNFY roasting of Boris Johnson as his leaving present is thoroughly outstanding. Brutal. Savage. Hilarious."

Another added: "This ‘Have I Got News For You’ special ripping the p*ss out of Boris is fabulous. A fitting tribute to the prick."

Have I got news for you absolutely tearing Boris a new one. Has any other PM had the same? Just shows what a clown he actually is #HIGNFY

— Mark Farrell (@markfazzy) September 2, 2022

Have I Got News For You just gave Boris Johnson a fitting send off! 😂😂 #hignfy

— Jonathan Grieve (@jonniegrieve) September 2, 2022

I see the BBC has now hit the lowest of the low. A full program aimed at disrespecting the outgoing Prime Minister. Whether you like Boris or not, it is not the BBC's job to sink to this disposable level of broadcasting. I'm referring to Have I Got News For You.

— John B. (@A12TCT) September 2, 2022

Boris Bashing - Have I got News for you etc!!
Bldy disgraceful!!
Hislop and Merton and that awful Jack Dee!!

— Royston (@Royston08029210) September 2, 2022

"Whoever greenlit the absolute unironic ROAST of boris on Have I Got News For You is my new hero," said a third.

While many found the whole thing hilarious, there were a lot of negative reactions too, with some branding the show 'disgusting' and disgraceful'.

"BBC surpass themselves tonight with Have I got news for you episode… disgraceful," said one.

Meanwhile, a second wrote: "Watching , Have I got news for you. Disgusting and disgraceful."

"I see the BBC has now hit the lowest of the low. A full program aimed at disrespecting the outgoing Prime Minister. Whether you like Boris or not, it is not the BBC's job to sink to this disposable level of broadcasting. I'm referring to Have I Got News For You," tweeted another.

Following the announcement of his resignation back in July, Johnson will officially tender his resignation on Monday 5 September, after which he will be replaced by either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss.

The news came following a wave of resignations from his cabinet after his party was marred with scandal amid 'partygate', piling pressure on the PM.