Yahoo News BBC announces schedule change to celebrate late Michael Parkinson
The BBC have confirmed a schedule change to celebrate Sir Michael Parkinson following the broadcaster's death.
This morning (August 17) it was confirmed that the legendary chat show host had passed away aged 88 after a brief illness.
It has now been announced that BBC One will rebroadcast 2021 documentary Parkinson at 50 at 9pm tonight in a last-minute shake-up, taking over the slot previously occupied by Who Do You Think You Are? with Michelle Keegan.
The star's famous show Parkinson first broadcast back in 1971, with the documentary telling the "full story" of "how it rose to become an award-winning Saturday night staple".
The BBC chat show originally aired for over a decade, before being revived in 1998, and then moving to ITV before coming to an end in 2007.
Parkinson's family confirmed his death in a statement today, saying: "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."
In his own statement, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: "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 truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed."
A number of celebrities have paid tribute to the broadcaster following the news, including comedian Eddie Izzard and The Apprentice's Alan Sugar.
Parkinson at 50 will air this evening (August 17) at 9pm on BBC One, and is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
You Might Also Like
