Tearful Jimmy Tarbuck on final meeting with Michael Parkinson days before death

18 August 2023 , 09:04

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Tearful Jimmy Tarbuck on final meeting with Michael Parkinson days before death

Jimmy Tarbuck broke down in tears on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain as he paid a moving tribute to his friend "Parky", Michael Parkinson, who sadly died aged 88 after a short illness.

The celebrated British broadcaster and journalist died eight years after receiving the all-clear following treatment for prostate cancer. His family confirmed the sad news in a heartbreaking statement released on Thursday: "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."

Appearing on Friday's GMB, Jimmy, 83, paid tribute to his friend and recalled their final meeting. The comedian said: "Last week, at the house, I was with young Michael, his son, and I said: "I'll go now, you're getting a bit tired" he said: 'Yeah, okay, thanks for coming. Do you want lunch next week?' And I said: 'You arrange it and I'll be there.' And unfortunately, I won't."

Jimmy Tarbuck broke down in tears as he paid a moving tribute to his friend Michael Parkinson

Jimmy added: "He was a giant of our industry, he was a great journalist, a giant, a great friend, a giant of a friend, and the talk shows - none of them have come near him since. He was just delightful, delightful company and a very modest man."

The comedian continued: "Tina Turner sang it, Simply The Best!" Jimmy then got emotional as he said: "A giant of our industry but by God, I'm getting choked now, he was a giant friend and he was a giant friend to me", emotionally adding: "I just miss him!"

Michael Parkinson rare public appearance to celebrate legendary pal's birthday

Among those also paying tribute to the TV legend was the BBC's director-general Tim Davie, who hailed Parkinson as "the king of the chat show” and an “incredible broadcaster and journalist”. He said: "Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.

Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88

Parkinson at home in Berkshire in 1981 (Mirrorpix)

"He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener. Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed."

ITV's political editor Nick Robinson also paid tribute to his former BBC colleague, writing: "He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year. Michael Parkinson - king of the chat show - has died." While Lord Sugar tweeted: "Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson . End of a era RIP."

Olivia Wheeler