Paul James Martin (born 9 July 1957), known professionally as Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter.
Known for his improvisation skill, Merton's humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy. He has been ranked by critics, fellow comedians and viewers to be among Britain's greatest comedians. He is well known 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, as well as for several appearances on the original British version of the improvisational comedy television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?
He appears as a panellist regularly on Radio 4's Just a Minute. He has also appeared as one of the Comedy Store's Comedy Store Players.