Merton Losing The Midas Touch?

Hands up all those who feel Paul Merton is losing the plot on 'Have I Got News For You'? Personally, I've always felt audiences have been more than generous in their appreciation of Merton's often average comedy on the show, but on the basis of this week's performance (HIGNFY 17/12/07), this may not be for much longer. His gags often fell flat, his 'quirky' observational humour failing to deliver the kind of orgasmic responses to which he has become accustomed.

Comments on this gladly appreciated. I find Merton a difficult man to criticise, as he appears (on the surface at least) to have an army of passionate and unwavering supporters. But, despite my fears of being hunted down by the Merton-mob, I will say this: it's time someone else had a turn.