Nicholas Parsons: Just A Minute host's first absence in 50 years sparks online frenzy as BBC assures fans 'the apocalypse is not upon us'

Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons’ first absence in more than 50 years has sparked a frenzy online with fans branding it “the latest sign of the impending apocalypse”.

The 94-year-old presenter has been on the BBC Radio 4 programme since its inception in 1967 but was absent for Monday night’s instalment.

His absence prompted an outpouring of worried messages from fans on social media, causing the broadcaster to quickly assure listeners that Parsons was just enjoying a rare day off.

The BBC's head of radio comedy Julia McKenzie wrote on Twitter: "Just to reassure those listening to the very unexpected Just a Minute on @BBCRadio4 at the moment - the apocalypse is not upon us.”

“@GylesB1 [Gyles Brandreth] kindly stepped in to give Nicholas Parsons a couple of days off.

"NP is totally fine and is still the guvnor as per the last 50 years."

However, plenty of people still wrote messages online saying that Just A Minute without Parsons felt like the end of the world.

One said: "The latest sign of the impending apocalypse. Nicholas Parsons is not in the chair for justaminute."

Another person posted: "Omg what happening. Nicholas Parsons isn't presenting justaminute. End of days. @BBCRadio4."

"Somewhere, the captain of a nuclear submarine is trying to work out what it means when Nicholas Parsons isn't hosting justaminute," said another.

One person suggested it was like "the ravens leaving the Tower of London".

McKenzie responded to some of the comments, assuring fans: "He's totally fine - we thought we'd allow him a day off after 50 yrs!"

She replied to another message by saying: "Yes don't worry he is fine and well - just a day off!"

Another tweet read: "NP is totally fine just taken a couple of days off - he's a 50 year perfect attendance record so we thought that was probably ok."