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Michelle Keegan pulled from screens tonight as BBC axe popular show for Parkinson schedule shake-up

A TV show starring Michelle Keegan has been pulled from screens tonight as the BBC axe the popular programme to pay tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson.

It was revealed earlier today that the veteran broadcaster has died at the age of 88.

Michelle Keegan's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? as been pulled from schedules to make way for a tribute to Michael Parkinson
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Michelle Keegan's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? as been pulled from schedules to make way for a tribute to Michael ParkinsonCredit: BBC Press Release
Michael Parkinson's death at the age of 88 was announced today
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Michael Parkinson's death at the age of 88 was announced todayCredit: PA

Sir Michael had a 50-year career which saw him become a chat show king, having sat down with after pioneering the one-on-one interview format.

In his honour, the BBC has announced that Parkinson at 50, a show dedicated to his extraordinary career, will air tonight at 9pm on BBC One.

It means Brassic actress Michelle's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? has been pulled from screens, as it was set to be on at 9pm.

However, the episode was a repeat from 2018, and fans can still catch it on BBC iPlayer.

Read More on Michelle Keegan

It sees her learn about her great-great grandmother and unearth a connection to the suffragettes.

A statement from  family said: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

"The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."

After becoming the youngest captain in the ArmySir Michael joined the Daily Express.

His career on Fleet Street soon lead to broadcasting work, and he was offered his own show Parkinson by the BBC in 1971.

The format took off and made the presenter a star in his own right thanks to his down-to-earth interviews.

During the 11-year series, Sir Michael interviewed giants from the world of music, film and sport.

Tributes from all corners of the industry have flooded in following the news of his death.

Sir Michael's career spanned 50 years
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Sir Michael's career spanned 50 yearsCredit: Rex
Sir Michael became a chat show king after pioneering the one-to-one interview style
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Sir Michael became a chat show king after pioneering the one-to-one interview styleCredit: Rex

Parkinson at 50 airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One, while some of his classic interviews are also available on BBC iPlayer.

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