Sir Michael Parkinson dubbed ‘legendary’ as celebrities rush to pay tribute to chat show icon after his death at 88-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

Stars have showered the broadcaster in praise following the announcement of his death (Picture: REX)

Tributes have in for legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson following his death aged 88.

Sir Michael’s impressive career saw him welcome the likes of boxer Muhammad Ali, sporting star David Beckham and Rod Hull – with puppet Emu – onto his chat shows.

During the hundreds of episodes, he also interviewed stars including David Bowie, John Lennon and Celine Dion.

A statement from his family read: ‘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.’

The news has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities.

Parkinson interviewed several A-listers during his career(Picture: REX)

Business magnate Lord Alan Sugar penned: ‘Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson . End of a era RIP.’

GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes also followed suit with a picture of standing next to the late icon.

‘Parky,’ he began. ‘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.’

Singer Elaine Page shared a picture of herself with the late star, penning: ‘Such very sad breaking news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have known him for many years, sang on his TV chat show & attended many events with him. A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again. RIP Michael.’

TV personality India Willoughby shared: ‘V sad to hear about Michael Parkinson. When I was doing my journalism training, he came to give us a talk at Stradbroke College (later Richmond College) in Sheffield. Mid 1980s. All in awe of him. Said was the best job in the world. Well for a time, you WERE the best. RIP Parky.’

Comedian Eddie Izzard remembered Sir Michael Parkinson as the ‘king of the intelligent interview.’

‘Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview,’ Izzard wrote.

BBC boss Tim Davie wrote: ‘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.’

In a statement, he continued: ‘Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.’

BBC presenter Nick Robinson tweeted: ‘He [Parkinson] was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year.’

Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves wrote: ‘They say never meet your hero’s . I did and held Sir Michael Parkinson in even greater esteem. Consummate pro, brilliant interviewer and warm genuine down to earth proper journalist.

‘The undisputed king of chat shows. Condolences to his family.’

Broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth hailed Parkinson was ‘one of my heroes’ in a touching post.

He tweeted: ‘They were chat shows, of course – but they were much (sic) more than that: they were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests.

‘And what an array of guests. ‘Parky’ was one of my heroes – and a lovely guy. A privilege to have known and worked with him.’

Parkinson became a familiar face on both the BBC and ITV because of his intimate celebrity interviews, most notably on his self-titled BBC show.

Parkinson first aired on the BBC on June 19 1971, and enjoyed a successful run until 1982. In 1998, the chat show was revived on the BBC and proved an instant hit.

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