Just a Minute competitors in the show's history: Freud and Nimmo appeared from the first programme in 1967, while Williams joined in the show's second series in 1968. Jones made his début in 1971. After Williams' death in 1988, Merton (a long-time fan of the show) contacted the producer at Nicholas Parsons' suggestion and was invited to participate during the following year. Nimmo died in 1999, Jones in 2000 and Freud in 2009, leaving Merton as the only regular, albeit he is not in every edition. Each of the regulars brought their individual style to playing the game. Clement Freud liked to make
Gyles Brandreth Room 101, saying that he would never accept an honour himself. In 2013, he clarified this position, stating that he had "no fundamental objection to the honours system" and that he selected the honours system for Room 101, as he could "tell funny stories about it". Brandreth has presented programmes on London's LBC radio at various times since 1973, such as "Star Quality". He frequently appears on BBC Radio 4's comedy panel game "Just a Minute". He has appeared on several episodes of Radio 4's political programme "The Westminster Hour", explaining his thoughts on how to make the most of