   paul james martin, known as paul merton (born 9 july 1957) is a british writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. known for his improvisation skill, his humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy. considered by a number of critics, fellow comedians and members of the public 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. he has also appeared as a regular panellist on radio 4's just a minute and as one of comedy store's comedy store players. ==early life== merton was born on 9 july 1957 in parsons green, london, to an english father, albert martin (a train guard on the london underground) and an irish roman catholic mother, mary ann power.{{cite news|author=barratt, nick|title=family detective|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/familyhistory/335475
1957_births BAFTA_winners_(people) Comedians_from_London Edinburgh_Comedy_Festival English_Roman_Catholics English_male_comedians English_male_television_actors English_male_voice_actors English_people_of_Irish_descent English_stand-up_comedians Living_people People_from_Parsons_Green