Broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88

Michael Parkinson has passed away at the age of 88, his family have announced.

Best known as a TV talkshow host with a career of seven decades, Sir Michael also spent time working in radio.

He presented BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs for three years from 1986. Between 1994 and 1996 he hosted Parkinson on Sport on BBC Radio Five Live.

From 1996 until 2007, he presented Parkinson’s Sunday Supplement on BBC Radio 2, which included interviews with media personalities.

He also spent time presenting a mid-morning programme on London’s LBC Newstalk 97.3FM and, in 2021 hosted a series for Jazz FM sharing his passion for his favourite jazz songs.

A statement from Sir Michael’s family said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”