BROADCASTER AND DOYEN OF CHAT SHOWS - SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON DIES TODAY

Today, Sir Michael Parkinson died at the age of 88. Known as one of the UK's popular interviewers, his chat show hosted some of the biggest stars of the twentieth century, including John Lennon, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali and dozens of the world's best known celebrities.  Yes, I remember many of the shows including the edition when he was wrestled to the ground by the comic Rod Hull and his ghastly puppet Emu. Found this hilarious! Some years back - November 2008 - I was asked by one of my newspaper column editors to meet Sir Michael in our Chelmsford bookstore Waterstones when he was signing his memoir.  Although renowned as a non-stop conversationalist, he was rather quiet on that occasion. Maybe he had glimpsed the long queue behind me!  Anyway, as usual, I was able to snap him during the signing-session.  He will be sadly missed!