Aspel: I only get called nowadays to say a few words when someone's died

HE was once one a king of primetime TV, but now the only time Michael Aspel's phone rings is for a tribute to a late showbiz friend.

- Mark Jefferies

The presenter, 91, has outlived most other TV stars of his generation after a seven-decade career.

It included radio work newsreading and TV's Crackerjack and Ask Aspel, This Is Your Life, Give Us A Clue, Aspel and Company and Antiques Roadshow.

Following his retirement in 2008, Michael hoped he would still appear on TV- but has ended up with a more sombre line of work. He says: "I do get called every now and then to say a few words when someone has died.

That is my main job in life." Michael was once the butt of jokes that he was never off the telly. But in a documentary marking his career tomorrow, he plays it for laughs and has a cheeky pop at today's presenters.