MISSING PARSONS
Nicholas Parsons’ death casts shadow over NTAs as stars pay tribute to broadcasting icon
STARS paid tribute to broadcasting great Nicholas Parsons as his death at 96 cast a shadow over TV’s biggest night of year.
David Walliams, Rob Brydon and Brendan O’Carroll were among those who remembered the Sale of the Century host at the National Television Awards.
Gavin & Stacey’s Rob, 54, said: “I knew Nicholas through doing Just A Minute, quite a few years ago and he was charming, open and welcoming.
“I would regularly see him at different things over the years. He was never anything but delightful. He was an inspiration.”
Mrs Brown’s Boys creator and star Brendan, 64, told The Sun: “He was amazing. It’s a terrible loss. We’re losing too many good people. He was a gentleman.”
And David, who won the best judge award, told the audience: “Someone who we would have loved to have welcomed tonight is Nicholas Parsons.”
Nicholas, whose career on stage, radio and TV spanned eight decades, died overnight after a short illness.
He worked well into his 90s and his last episode of radio panel show Just A Minute aired in November.
Comedy actor David Mitchell, 45, who appeared with him, said: “I was amazed at how sharp and witty and brilliant despite being very old. He lived his life to the full.”
Others to share memories included TV cook Ainsley Harriott, 62, who said: “I remember saying to him, ‘What’s the secret Nicholas?’
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"And he said, ‘An hour to two hours kip every afternoon. When you get to 80, you gotta have that kip.’”
The Chase’s Mark Labbett, 54, told The Sun he met Nicholas at quizzing events.
He added: “He was a real hero of mine. He gave me quiet advice and taught me the nodding technique when interviewing people.”
Nicholas Parsons dead aged 96 - Just a Minute host dies after short illness
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