Parkinson At 50

8.30pm, BBC One

On 16 June 1971, a gruff Yorkshire journalist introduced the inaugural episode of his self-titled chat show – jazz singer Marion Montgomery was his first guest.

Now, 50 years later, Sir Michael Parkinson casts an affectionate eye over his long and distinguished career as the host of Parkinson, which attracted some of the world’s biggest celebrities, many of whom felt an appearance on the show meant they had truly arrived.

Here, alongside his son Mike Jr, Parky looks back at some of his interviews with Hollywood greats including Fred Astaire, Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman, as well as sports legend Muhammad Ali. Plus, on BBC Two, there’s a chance to watch classic clips featuring the likes of Billy Connolly, David Attenborough, Raquel Welch and Miss Piggy.