Nicholas Parsons Has Died Aged 96

BBC broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died aged 96.

The former host of Radio 4's Just a Minute died following a short illness, his agent has said.

PA

Parsons had a long career in TV and radio. His dedication to his career saw him appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) back in 2004 - he was then promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2014 in honour of his charity work.

Announcing his death, his agent Jean Diamond said: "Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January after a short illness at the age of 96.

"He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital."

Tributes have already started to pour in for the legendary broadcaster.

Controller of BBC Radio 4 Mohit Bakaya said in a statement: "Nicholas Parsons was one of the greats, a first-class broadcaster and an icon in the world of British comedy.

"Nicolas always brought his sharp wit, brilliant poise and warmth to everything he did - but particularly as host of Just a Minute where his excellence shone in each episode without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

"He was that rare beast - a presenter whose appeal spread right across the generations - and he was a unique member of the Radio 4 family.

"He will be greatly missed by us all, as well as the many, many listeners who he entertained so brilliantly."

BBC director-general Tony Hall said: "Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over the decades, and no one deserves to be called a broadcasting legend more than Nicholas Parsons.

"His charm, inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him."

BBC's Politics Live host Andrew Neil took to Twitter to say: "So sad to learn of the death of Nicholas Parsons, though at 96 it was a pretty impressive innings. I last saw him a year ago and he was in great form. A more friendly, generous, polite and solicitous person you could not hope to meet."

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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