Viewers have reacted as they watched the first live episode of Have I Got News For You since the terrifying news that Ian Hislop's car was hit by what was initially believed to have been a gunshot. Ian candidly addressed the issue on air on the BBC show, just seconds before the theme tune. "I would say at this point I'm glad to be here, but this week I really am!" he exclaimed.

The journalist quipped: "There was one high point when the policeman investigating said: 'This may be a silly question, but is there anyone who might have a grudge against you?'" Peals of laughter rang out from the audience as he transformed his ordeal into light-hearted humour. "Yes, good to see Ian Hislop still alive for #HaveIGotNewsForYou! #hignfy," one fan took to Twitter to exclaim. "Suppose we better watch #HIGNFY tonight, Ian Hislop did take a shattered windscreen for the country after all!" quipped another.

Someone else mischievously joked: "I think the potential shooting of Ian Hislop was just a promotion for the new series...

." The Private Eye editor had been travelling in a black cab near the publication's offices when it was reported that a "bullet" struck the window. However, it has since emerged that Met police found "no evidence of a gunshot discharge".

Despite roads initially being closed as a precautionary measure, the officers reportedly quickly ascertained that there was no threat. They clarified that a "mechanical fault" might have been behind the terrifying incident, which saw the.