Nelson Mandela is to appear on spoof chat show The Kumars at No 42 after asking the BBC if he could take part in the series.

The Mail on Sunday speculated that despite his status, Mr Mandela would not escape a ribbing from the presenters – specifically about his time in jail on Robben Island and his former wife Winnie.

Syal said: “I would ask him if it is correct that he stayed as long as he could in confinement for more than 27 years because he knew that once he got out Winnie would be waiting for him.”