Michael Parkinson's close bond with Peter Kay after giving comic his big break
Sir Michael Parkinson urged Peter Kay to return to the spotlight just months before the comic announced his long-awaited return to touring last year.
The chat show legend spoke fondly of Kay in October 2021, describing the Bolton-born comedian as "a great stand-up and a very good writer", with Kay going on the announce a mammoth run of gigs the following year. Parkinson and Kay enjoyed a close bond over the years, with Kay starting out as Parkinson's warm-up man on his BBC show, before later appearing as a guest several times.
Parkinson's death at the age of 88 was announced earlier today, with the BBC and celebrities from across the world paying tribute to the legendary broadcaster. The celebrated journalist died eight years after receiving the all-clear following treatment for prostate cancer.
The late star's loved ones confirmed the sad news in a heartbreaking statement, saying: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."
Peter Kay appeared on Michael Parkinson's BBC show several times over the years (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
But the comedian actually started his career as the chat show host's warm-up man (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Stars like Sir David Attenborough, Sir Michael Caine, David Beckham and Graham Norton have all been paying tribute to the legendary interviewer in the wake of his death, with comedian Kay's tribute likely to be emotional and moving if and when he publicly speaks about the loss of his friend.
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Before becoming one of the nation's best-loved comedians, Kay got his big break warming up Parkinson's audience for his self-titled chat show in the 1990s. The comic joined David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Edna Everage, Billy Connolly, and Jamie Cullum for Parkinson's final show in 2007.
Parkinson, who had been hosting his talk show since 1971, told the audience on November 23: "I was told to pick a wish list and I put down these names and every single one of them is here." Kay appeared on stage in high spirits and convinced Parkinson to dress up as a lollipop on the show - joking the iconic interviewer could become one once he was retired. The Phoenix Nights writer also poked fun at Parkinson's age by giving him an alarm button to wear around his neck.
Speaking in October 2021, Parkinson paid tribute to his former warm-up man's talents as he joined many fans in hoping Kay would make a return to the stage. At the time, Kay had not appeared on TV screens since 2018 and cancelled plans to tour due to unforeseen circumstances in December 2017.
"Peter is wonderful. He is just a gifted young comic," Parkinson gushed in 2021 when chatting about the Car Share creator. "I don't know why he disappeared but he is sadly missed. He is a great stand-up and a very good writer. He is a good actor as well. Peter was a joy to work with."
Little over a year on from Parkinson's comments, Kay made a shock return to the world of stand-up comedy and announced a mammoth UK and Ireland tour. In a statement shared with fans on November 6, Kay said: "It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now. And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010."
Kay kicked off his huge tour in Manchester the following month and has since added further dates - with the comedian expected to perform his Better Late Than Never show well into 2025.
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