Just a minute, I’m absolutely fine, says Parsons

NICHOLAS PARSONS has reassured BBC Radio 4 listeners that he is feeling fine, after missing an edition of Just A Minute for the first time in 50 years.

The 94-year-old presenter appeared bemused at the concern over his absence. “I’m absolutely fine,” he said.

“I’m back recording two programmes this week and I’m working as hard as I ever have done.” Parsons was speaking from his north-west London home yesterday, and he added that he had simply taken a day off.

Monday’s episode was presented by Gyles Brandreth, who pre-recorded it two weeks ago when Parsons was away. Brandreth also recorded another edition on the same day, which will be heard next week.

But Parsons is back in the studio today, recording a fresh batch of shows. The veteran presenter has hosted Just A Minute since its first broadcast in 1967.

Worried listeners expressed concern for his health when he missed the show aired this week, but Julia Mckenzie, head of BBC radio comedy, tweeted: “Just to reassure those listening to the very unexpected Just A Minute… the apocalypse is not upon us”.

Just a Minute is in its 81st series and more than 900 shows have been broadcast.

‘I’m absolutely fine. I’m back recording two programmes this week and I’m working as hard as I ever have done’

Nicholas Parsons, 94, at his north London home, said – without hesitation, deviation or repetition – he was well and simply took a day off from recording two shows in a batch of episodes to be broadcast soon