Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88

Beloved broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88, his family have confirmed.

The legendary chat show host passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday (August 16).

The family wrote in a statement: “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.”

Tributes to the host were led by BBC boss Tim Davie, who called Parkinson “truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed”.

“Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed,” he added.

“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.”

Born in Yorkshire in 1935, Parkinson launched his eponymous BBC TV show in 1971, returning for another series in 1998.

In that time, he interviewed the likes of Elton John, Madonna and Muhammad Ali.