Talk show great Sir Michael Parkinson has died at 88 after a short illness.

He presented 'Parkinson' from 1971 to 2007 quizzing celebrities over more than 800 episodes.

In a statement released to the BBC, his family said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

'Parky' joined the Mike Hosking Breakfast in September 2009, ahead of a visit to New Zealand for a speaking tour.

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