Parkinson is moving from Friday to the weekend spot he occupied throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, when he established himself as the king of the celebrity interview.

His show's new slot begins on 21 October. The move is part of the new-look BBC One line-up, prompted by the move of the main evening news bulletin from nine to 10 o'clock.

Parkinson, 65, expressed his approval at the schedule change for his programme.

"I'm delighted it's going out on Saturdays. It's where the show traditionally should be," he said.

'Pinnacle'

Parkinson's first weekend guests will be film-maker Richard Attenborough, former England cricket captain Ian Botham and Canadian singer kd lang.

Pop star Robbie Williams and England footballer David Beckham will be among the guests appearing later in the series.