UK TV host Nicholas Parsons CBE dies, aged 96
AAP
Veteran UK TV host Nicholas Parsons has died, aged 96.
The personality, who was best known as the host of British radio show Just a Minute and TV game show Sale of the Century, passed away following a short illness, his agent says.
The broadcaster was with his family when he died on Tuesday morning.
Nicholas Parsons attends the first night of the Letters Live series at the Freemason's Hall, London.. Picture date: Tuesday October 4, 2016. AAP
His agent Jean Diamond issued a statement on behalf of his family, saying: "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."
The TV personality was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth in April of 2014, during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
Graham Norton and Stephen Fry led tributes to the beloved figure in UK media.
Nicholas Parsons is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire in 2014 AAP
"The sound of the final whistle. Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I've ever worked with," Norton tweeted.
"His continued delight at being a part of showbusiness should be an inspiration to us all! Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family."
While Fry wrote: "He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement: never scripted, always immaculate. From comedian's sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century and much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism and commitment. Farewell x."
Graham Norton was among the famous faces leading tributes to the TV star AAP
And Piers Morgan tweeted: "A wonderful man who brought so much fun, charm, wit & pleasure to so many millions of people over so many decades. What a life."
BBC director-general Tony Hall paid tribute to the media personality, who also appeared on the Benny Hill Show, The Comic Strip Presents and Have I Got News For You.
"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," Hall said.
Parsons was best known for Just A Minute, where panellists have to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
He first fronted the show on its inception in 1967.
The broadcaster missed a recording of the BBC Radio 4 show for only the second time in more than 50 years last summer, due to a bad back.
- With AAP
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