Veteran broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died aged 96 after a short illness, his agent has said.
Parsons was best known as the host of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute.
His agent, Jean Diamond, released a statement on behalf of his family, reading: “Nicholas passed away in the early hours of 28 January after a short illness.
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“He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital.”
Parsons presented more than 850 episodes of the beloved radio series, in which his guests must speak for a full minute without hesitating or repeating themselves.
He missed two recordings of Just a Minute for the first time ever in April 2018 after suffering from flu, which broke his uninterrupted run of 50 years. Gyles Brandreth stood in.
Parsons’ career began as an actor in 1947. He soon became known for his appearances on The Benny Hill Show, as well as for presenting the game show Sale of the Century, which amassed 21m viewers for ITV at the height of its popularity.
After originally being signed up as a Just a Minute panel member in 1967, Parsons reluctantly became chairman of the show when Jimmy Edwards became unavailable on the day of the first recording.
Graham Norton and Nick Robinson led the tributes to Parsons, with the former writing on Twitter: “The sound of the final whistle. Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever worked with. His continued delight at being a part of show business should be an inspiration to us all!”
Robinson wrote: “Without hesitation, deviation or repetition I’d like to say that Nicholas Parsons was a broadcasting giant who proved that the straight man could be the real star of comedy.”
Stephen Fry added: “Oh no. Nicholas Parsons gone? He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement: never scripted, always immaculate. From comedian’s sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century & much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism & commitment. Farewell.”
Parsons is survived by his wife Ann Reynolds and two children.
