This Morning: Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88
During a rare interview with Lorraine stand-in Christine Lampard two years ago, ITV viewers were left concerned with Sir Michael Parkinson’s health and appearance.
He joined Christine to speak about his BBC One documentary which celebrated his 50-year anniversary.
Kicking off their chat, Christine asked: “I am guessing the most difficult part of this documentary was knowing where to start?”
He replied: “I find it difficult when people ask the question ‘What was your favourite show?’ There are just so many, I mean how many did we do? Hundreds.
“They weren’t made to be shows that you would look back on forever, I mean they were of their time. I don’t wander around wishing there was a library of my shows.
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“I don’t do that at all, I don’t feel that way. I am just very happy to have survived the ordeal. That was my starting life at 16, I went and became a journalist at a local paper.
“Then the big break came in 1961 when Granada Television asked me to do a screen test and I did.”
However, despite Sir Michael being excited about his upcoming documentary, viewers took to their Twitter to express their concerns.
@Helen909King commented: “Bit of a shock when you haven’t seen someone on the tv for a long time and then see them as an old person. You think they’ll look the same.”
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@ChrisDeityUK added: “It’s horrible to see Parky looking so old. Absolute legend #Lorraine.”
Another user bluntly wrote: “Jesus Christ I would never have recognised Parky.” (sic)
Not all viewers at the time were critical of Sir Michael’s appearance, as one user penned: “Parky one of the best talk show hosts.”
@PinkyNores said: “He’s great for 86! What a legend he is too! We love you Parky!” (sic)
After the news was announced of Michael’s death, tributes came flooding in with BBC director general Tim Davie writing: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.”
“He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.
“Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.”
A statement released by Michael’s family read: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinsson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
“The family request that they are given privacy at this time.”
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV.
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