Popular chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson, has died aged 88. following a short illness.
The broadcaster enjoyed a stellar career in TV, which spanned seven decades, and saw him interview countless household names, including legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, comedian Billy Connolly, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Elton John, Madonna and others.
Parkinson introduced his first show in 1971, interviewing US jazz singer Marion Montgomery.
With the show initially running for 11 years, Parkinson returned to the BBC in 1998, once again interviewing countless household names. It is estimated that Michael Parkinson interviewed over 2,000 guests overall.
Parkinson had previously worked as a journalist for the Daily Express in London, and the Manchester Guardian (later changed to the Guardian), before moving into television as a current affairs reporter and presenter for BBC and Granada.
He was later recruited to present his self titled show, Parkinson.
Sir Michael Parkinson's death was confirmed via a statement released by his family.
"After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family", they said. "The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve".
Parkinson had previously revealed that he had received radiotherapy for prostate cancer in 2013, before being given the all-clear two years later.
