Men are too scared to flirt in case they are branded sex pests says Parkinson
Parkinson said he feels men have grown increasingly afraid of interacting with women in recent years after the wave of sexual harassment claims against some of Hollywood’s elite.
He added: “You feel yourself, all men do, being under threat for the merest indication they might be flirting with someone.”
He enjoyed flirtatious moments with some of Hollywood’s most famous actresses on his long-running talk show, including screen queens Lauren Bacall and Shirley MacLaine.
Despite rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in showbusiness, Parkinson has been with his beloved wife Mary for almost six decades.
He praised his other half’s support during his health struggles in recent years, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2013.
He said: “Mary has been wonderful all the way through.
“That’s one of the tests of marriage, I Devoted... Parkinson and his wife Mary suppose. There have been awful moments when she must have felt lousy treating this bad-tempered oaf who wanders around the house and falls down occasionally but she’s never let it affect our relationship.”
He added: “Keeping working was important. I kept active. The thing at my age is to retain a degree of fitness where you don’t become a doddering old talk show host.”