Sir Michael Parkinson: remembering the legendary talk show host and his visit to Lowther Pavilion

It was announced this week that the Yorkshire born talk show host had died, aged 88, at his home on August 16, surrounded by family.

Only five years ago, Michael Parkinson, who interviewed many of the world’s greatest stars on his long-running TV chat show, Parkinson, visited Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Annes to promote his latest book.

The father of three had written a memoir regarding his friendship with the late Manchester United and Northern Ireland player George Best called ‘George Best: A Memoir: A Unique Biography of a Football Icon Perfect for Self-isolation.”

Sir Michael visited Lowther Pavilion on November 15, 2018 to chat about the book and sign copies.

On the day, Michael was 'interviewed' by his son, Michael Parkinson Junior, who appears in one of the photos shared to the Gazette by an attendee at the event.

Throughout his career, Michael had interviewed over 2000 celebrities, from sports stars like Muhammed Ali or David Beckham, to musicians such as John Lennon and Madonna, or screen stars like Sir Michael Caine and Elizabeth Taylor.

In 2013 Michael revealed he had received radiotherapy for prostate cancer but two years later he confirmed he had got the all-clear from doctors.

In a statement announcing Michael’s passing this week, his family said: “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.”