Michael Parkinson admits ‘I don’t recognise myself’ as BBC Breakfast appearance sparks concern from fans

MICHAEL Parkinson made a heartbreaking confession on BBC Breakfast this morning.

The broadcasting icon revealed that he does "not recognise" himself during an interview on the popular BBC morning programme.

During the candid chat with hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, Sir Michael opened up on his impressive life and career. 

Naga asked the star: "Do you get sick of seeing the TV clips?"

Michael responded: “Do I get sick of it? Absolutely.”

He went on to add: "I don't recognise the person,” before Naga questioned if he was referring to himself. 

The veteran broadcaster explained to her: "It is a disguise, this is a disguise, all of it.

"You're not yourself at all, it changes you. No matter how considered you might be for being famous. It changes you."

Naga then simply asked him: “How?”, as he said that ‘people’s reactions’ had changed toward him once they knew who he was.

Michael said: "It sometimes makes the worst person in your life, writing never did that, writing challenges you all the time."

Appearing alongside him was his son, Micheal Jr, who spoke on life of being the child of such a famous figure.

Speaking at length, his son told of how his father dealt with his new-found fame in the 1970s, and how his family helped to keep him grounded.

He said:  "Firstly, I got lucky. My father got famous when he was a mature man.

"His head wasn't turned, and also he has a very sensible Irish wife, who basically told him he shouldn't get big-headed.”

He added: "And also he had kids so his head was never going to be turned.

"And my father's idea towards fame was to find people who were famous and to find out what they wanted to do."

Fans online were quick to comment on Michael’s latest TV appearance with some even expressing concern for the ageing star and his welfare. 

One fan wrote: "@BBCBreakfast look after Parky a true TV legend - he looks frail."

A second shared: "Just switched #BBCBreakfast didn't even realise that was #parky aww bless him he looks so frail now."

A third said: “Wow. When you haven't seen someone on screen for a long time you expect them to stay looking like that forever. Didn't recognise Michael Parkinson until he spoke.”

While a fourth penned:  "His appearance shocked me too but I think because I’m so used to seeing clips of him from his talk show."

One fan wrote of their glee at seeing the TV legend on-screen, saying:  "Michael Parkinson on @BBCBreakfast- utterly fascinating. A colossal talent and still so sharp, even at the age of 87."

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.