Paul Merton

Paul James Martin, known by his stage name Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, and radio and television presenter. Born on July 9, 1957, in Parsons Green, west London, Merton is renowned for his improvisation skills and his deadpan, surreal, and dark comedic style. He has been recognized as one of Britain's greatest comedians by critics, fellow comedians, and viewers. Merton is famous for his regular appearances as a team captain on the BBC panel game Have I Got News for You and as the former host of Room 101. He has also made numerous appearances on the original British version of the improvisational comedy television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Additionally, Merton is a regular panellist on Radio 4's Just a Minute and has performed with the Comedy Store Players.