I think life without Coronation Street would be unthinkable. It's part of all our lives.

Parkinson began as a journalist on local newspapers and his Yorkshire background and accent remain part of his appeal. From 1995 to 1999 he hosted the BBC One daytime programme Going for a Song. Parkinson used the publicity surrounding his Australia Day appearance to promote the abolition of the Australian monarchy.

He has been described by The Guardian as "the great British talkshow host". He presented his chat show Parkinson from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007. Sir Michael Parkinson CBE (born 28 March 1935) is an English broadcaster journalist and author.