Sir Michael Parkinson speaks ahead of Parr Hall visit

He is co-hosting a rescheduled show on Monday, 18 October with his son and long-term producer Mike who takes him through his life and career with the help of some clips from the Parkinson archive.

And Michael cannot wait to return to live audiences on his tour.

“What a treat! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been affected by the lockdown mainly because like anyone in my age group where this virus is stalking you like a hungry wolf it has been a frightening period of my life. But getting out on the road again and sharing my enjoyment at remembering what was for me the best job in the world with an actual audience will be a real tonic,” he said.

The show marks the 50th anniversary of the broadcast of the first Parkinson show in 1971.

What started as a 10-week summer filler experiment by the BBC can now be discussed in all its glory 50 years on.

Parkinson will hope the night runs as smoothly as his best ever interview did with the eminent scientist Professor Jacob Bronowski.

“He was the writer and presenter of that landmark book and television series The Ascent of Man.

“It was the one time that the shape and progression of the interview went exactly the way I had prepared. But that was more to do with Professor Bronowski’s perfect command of the English language and his forensic mind than my interviewing skills.”

Sir Michael Parkinson is looking forward to his set of shows across the UK

And Parkinson will be talking through many aspects of his illustrious career.

The 86-year-old added: “It’s the story of how I made it out of a pit village to the top of those famous stairs with all the highs and low along the way in the company of Connolly, Ali, Lauren Bacall, Sir David Attenborough, Joan Rivers, Sir Michael Caine. Madonna, Dane Edna Everage to name but a few. It’s a great show which I love doing and If I wasn’t on stage, I buy a ticket!”

Tickets for the Parr Hall gig can be found here.