Parkinson first broadcast

Image: Michael Parkinson interviews Spike Milligan in 1976.

The first edition of Parkinson went out on 19 June 1971. Michael Parkinson's success as a talk show host derived from a combination of his avuncular Yorkshire style and a solid journalistic background. The Radio Times introduced the show as offering "conversation, guests, good music and the occasional surprise". Marion Montgomery was the first guest, and the signature tune was played by the Harry Stoneham Five.

Parkinson ran for 11 years, and featured an impressive list of stars, from David Niven, Kenneth Williams, Muhammad Ali and Lauren Bacall, to Rod Hull and Emu. Parkinson put his guests at their ease by trying "not to be pushy or overbearing", aiming to create the illusion of a cosy fireside chat. The chat show was voted number 8 best British television programme of all time in a BFI poll.

Michael Parkinson - affectionately known as Parky - returned in 1998 for another successful run of Parkinson. The show remains the bench mark against which other chat shows are measured. Parkinson's contribution to broadcasting was recognised when he was made a CBE in 2000 and knighted in 2008.