Jimmy Carr has told Newsbeat that positive discrimination is needed to get more women on television comedy panel shows.
He says they "change the balance" on programmes, affecting "how everyone interacts" for the better.
A ban on all-male line-ups on shows like QI and Have I Got News for You was announced by the BBC's director of TV, Danny Cohen, last year.
"I think it's a big deal, I think it's important," Jimmy says.
"It's a hugely positive thing. It's that thing where you say you have to have a bit of positive discrimination to push it forward a little bit."
Comedy panel shows, including Mock the Week, had previously been criticised for their male-dominated line-ups.
The comedian points out how new QI host Sandi Toksvig had originally been set to present Have I Got News for You.
"She did both pilots for that and was by all accounts brilliant back on the day," he says.
"And then misogynistically someone went, 'Oh, we need a guy to do it,' so they brought in Angus Deaton and Angus did a great job but she never had that job."
The BBC's current policy has been criticised by some people, who say female guests will be seen as "token women".
While Mock the Week host Dara O'Briain criticised the all-male panel ban, Jason Manford called the move "brilliant" but said it shouldn't have been made public.
He said female panellists would now question why they were being booked for a show.
Sandi Toksvig has also argued that having more female presenters on comedy shows would be a more effective move.
She argued it would mean women were more represented on TV and make other women feel comfortable about being on panels.
Jimmy Carr also told Newsbeat that he would jump at the chance to co-host the new Top Gear.
"If Top Gear's like, 'Oh, do you want to travel the world and drive amazing cars?' who would say no to that?" he asked.
"It's incredible. It's going to be a show with an unlimited budget."
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