This Morning: Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88
This Morning presenters Josie Gibson and Andi Peters announced Michael Parkinson had died at the age of 88 and paid a sweet tribute to the TV presenter.
Announcing the news to viewers, Andi explained: “Sad news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88.
“The news that we are just finding out this morning, it is such a loss and as you say such a talent in this industry and journalism.
“He was an amazing chat show host and the name he used to get on his show was just…incredible.”
Guest Nick Ferrari also touched on his time with Michael and said: “Not just lucky enough, challenging enough to interview him as well.
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“I must have met him about half a dozen times socially, then he came on my LBC show a couple of times.
“I remember the first time, it was a bit nerve-wracking. He told me his proudest moment was when he finally saved up
“I think it was 11 shillings and six pence, and he was able to buy a proper reporter’s mack, like a trench coat and he said ‘That’s when I knew I had made it.
“I could say to myself I am a reporter because I have the coat’ I think he went on to achieve quite a lot more.”
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Viewers of the show were left devastated by the news and took to their Twitter accounts to give their condolences.
@SenorApple2014 commented: “We were so blessed to have an absolute broadcasting legend. #ThisMorning,” while @fuzzybeepants added: “Not Parky RIP #ThisMorning.”
@angenevs said: “RIP Michael Parkinson #ThisMorning.”
Alongside This Morning and the viewer’s tribute, many showbiz stars and people who worked alongside Michael have also shared their condolences and paid personal tributes.
BBC director general Tim Davie described Sir Michael: “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.”
GB News’ Eamonn Holmes noted: “Parky. King of The Chat Show Hosts. A privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him. They don’t make them like that anymore. Rip Sir Michael Parkinson.”
@bbcnickrobinson added: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV year after year. Michael Parkinson – king of the chat show – has died.”
British comedian and actor Matt Lucas tweeted: “Sir Michael Parkinson was a titan of television, the ultimate chat show host. We’ll never forget his brilliant interviews with Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna, Billy Connolly and, of course, ‘that bloody emu’.”
Comedian Dara O Briain added: “I had the privilege of doing the Michael Parkinson show 3 times and it the most I ever felt like I was in “proper showbiz”.
“He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen. He also did the coolest thing I ever saw pre-show: I was standing with the guests, waiting for the show to start.
“Michael arrived, chatted away to us, not a nerve in sight, when the band starting playing the theme tune. Michael paused, smiled and said ‘They’re playing my tune’ and walked straight out and started the show. Lovely.”
Monty Python star Eric Idle posted: “Farewell Parky. A great Yorkshireman and cricket fan and a lovely interviewer to be with.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
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