Stars of Radio 4 show hesitate over a future without Parsons

NICHOLAS PARSONS was planning the next series of Just a Minute when he died yesterday at the age of 96, his agent confirmed, as regular panellists called for the show to carry on in his honour.

Parsons hosted the Radio 4 panel game – in which guests must speak on a single subject for 60 seconds without repetition, hesitation or deviation – since its inception in 1967.

His death, which came following a short illness, has led to speculation surrounding the show’s future after its 85th series was recorded last year.

While some guests said the 96-yearold would want Just a Minute to continue, others suggested the BBC may be forced to cancel it because his presence was too important. He managed to make it to the age of 94 before he missed his first recording, one of only two absences.

Last night, Gyles Brandreth, a regular guest on the programme, described Parsons as “our leader, our mentor and our friend”. Earlier, Brandreth posted on Twitter an image of himself with Parsons and said: “I thought he was immortal because he was always so alive. Such sadness today, but what a career to celebrate, from the 1940s to 2020. My hero!”

Parsons’ agent, Jean Diamond, said he was “working to the end” and “never thought about retirement”.

“He didn’t know the meaning of the word,” she added. “Just looking at the schedule, it’s full. We were planning the next Just a Minute.”

Parsons’ daughter Suzy told The World At One: “He was as sharp as a tack, it was quite extraordinary.

“He was still ruling the roost. He was very proud of the fact he still had all his marbles and he was still working.”

Marcus Brigstocke, a frequent contestant on Just a Minute, suggested the BBC may be forced to cancel it, saying: “Nicholas is so tied up with the show that I don’t know what will happen without him.”

Brigstocke was among a series of Just a Minute panellists paying tribute.

Paul Merton said: “He was always upbeat, and loved to work. He gave 100 per cent to everything he did. Nicholas was the embodiment of Just a Minute, and his chairmanship was always very fair and very honest.”

Stephen Fry said: “He ruled Just a Minute for just a lifetime. A stunning achievement – never scripted, always immaculate.”