Veteran broadcaster and renowned interviewer Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88, his family have announced.
As part of a career stretching back to the 1950s, Parky - as he was affectionately known - interviewed some of the world's biggest figures, including Muhammad Ali, Orson Welles, Sir Paul McCartney and Oliver Reed.
Parkinson's eponymous chat show was must-watch TV in its heyday, airing from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1998 to 2007, featuring more than 2,000 guests.
Memorable moments included Parky's infamous interview with Rod Hull which saw him physically attacked by the puppet Emu, as well as his frosty chat with the actress Meg Ryan, who gave multiple one-word answers to his questioning.
A family statement said: "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."
BBC director-general Tim Davie said in tribute: "Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.
"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."
Parkinson is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary and their three children.
Neil Wilkes
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