Entertainment
Sue Perkins confirmed as host of Radio 4’s Just A Minute after death of Nicholas Parsons
Sue has a new gig (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
After appearing as a panellist a roaring 58 times, Sue Perkins has been announced as the next host of Just A Minute, following the death of Nicholas Parsons.
Primed to rule on cases of hesitation, repetition or deviation, the former Great British Bake Off host takes the chair for the 87th series of the series, and will keep in check fellow long-time participants Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth and whoever else is bringing their linguistic A-game to proceedings.
The much-loved panel show challenges contestants to speak for one minute ‘without hesitation, deviation or repetition’ on any subject that comes up on the cards.
Sue has served as a guest host of the BBC Radio 4 programme, after first appearing in 2020, and is raring to make this permanent.
She said: ‘I’m beyond delighted to be asked to host this most legendary of shows.
‘Nicholas’s shoes are way too big to fill, but I shall bring my own shoes, and work my socks off in them to keep our listeners entertained.’
Former host Parsons died last year (Picture: PA)
Fans were besotted with Sue’s appointment, while also happy to keep long-time panellists Paul and Gyles in their place.
One fan rejoiced on Twitter: ‘This is great news! Such a hard act to follow, but she’ll be brilliant. My money was on Gyles Brandreth, but this means he’ll be able to stay as a (brilliant) panellist – good news all round.’
Another mused: ‘Great choice, shame we lose Sue from playing the game though as she is insanely good at it.’
In light of the announcement, Parsons’ widow, Annie, said Sue’s predecessor would be ‘delighted’.
More: BBC
She said in a statement: ‘As the Minute Waltz fades away, I have no doubt that Nicholas would be delighted to know that Just A Minute will continue long into the future under the superb guardianship of Sue Perkins who fully understands and embraces possibly the most often repeated five words on TV or Radio; “Without hesitation, repetition or deviation”.’
Former host Parsons, who presented the programme since it was first broadcast in 1967, died last year aged 96.
Series 87 of Just A Minute will begin on Radio 4 on Monday September 6.
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