Michael Parkinson: Legendary George Michael chat show moment remembered online

Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88 following a brief illness his family confirmed on 17 August, and the king of chat shows is being remembered fondly by fans for some of his best TV interviews.

The Yorkshireman was widely seen as the all time king of UK chat shows, his talkshow Parkinson aired on the BBC from 1971 to 1982 and was revived on ITV from 1998 to 2007.

Read more: Sir Michael Parkinson, former talk show host and journalist, has died (Sky News, 5-min read)

One legendary chat show moment that is being circulated online is of George Michael's first appearance on the programme in 1998 which came after the singer was arrested for public lewdness in Los Angeles earlier that year.

It was the Wham! musician's introduction that brought particular joy to fans who were remembering Parky fondly, as it came as quite the surprise.

Michael opened by sharing how happy he was to be given the chance to appear on the show because of how long he'd been a fan.

He said: "This is a great honour for me because i can remember being eight or nine years old and my mum would allow me to stay up beyond a certain time in the evening only to watch the Parkinson show, which she said was a bit of quality watching so I am very privileged to be here."

Read more: Sir Michael Parkinson dead at 88: His most iconic chat show moments

Parkinson was visibly delighted by this and said it was "good to have" Michael on, who then hilariously added: "She probably wouldn't be quite as thrilled that I had to take my willy out to get on here!

"I mean really, would I have been on for an hour tonight without that incident?"

The broadcaster, ever the gracious host, said: "Yes of course you'd be on for more than an hour."

To which Michael replied: "I remember calling earlier in the year and they said I could get a walk on and do a song, but that was about it, and suddenly here I am."

Read more: Sir Michael Parkinson embarrassed by how 'posh' he spoke in early TV days

In response to a clip of the interview being shared on X — formerly known as Twitter — fans flocked to pay tribute to both stars, Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016.

One person wrote: "Two legends in their own right (and how hilarious)."

Another shared: "A wonderful episode when George opened up for the very first time in front of a camera, ending with a sublime version of A Different Corner. A great and fun memory."

One fan said of the interview: "What an elegant opening - George obviously felt the best person to have the conversation with was Mr Parkinson. That speaks volumes."

While one person also said: "I respected George so much after that interview. He owned it and was able to laugh at himself. That shows real class."

After his amusing and candid 1998 interview, Michael went on to appear on Parkinson a further three times, in 2004, 2006 and in 2007.

Watch: Michael Parkinson looks back on his early TV days with embarrassment