Broadcasting legend was such a charming man

We pay tribute to the late Nicholas Parsons, TV and radio star and the man who helped put Norwich on the broadcasting map in the 1970s.

He was an extraordinary broadcaster, able to bring order to the comedic chaos of the panellists on Just A Minute and thrills to the TV quiz show Sale of The Century. Nicholas Parsons, who died on January 28 aged 96, was also a stage, film and TV actor and author.

And, as could be seen in the tide of tributes which followed the announcement of his death, he was a kind, generous and much-loved friend and colleague to so many of our stars of TV and radio from today and back through the past 50-plus years. Among them was Norfolk’s Stephen Fry, who praised him: “From comedian’s sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century & much more. . . Unrivalled continuity, professionalism & commitment”.

Let’s Talk’s own Derek James paid tribute to Nicholas, who he had profiled in the magazine in 2014 to mark his 90th birthday.

“Nicholas Parsons was a true gentleman. He was a celebrity before the word became trendy,” recalls Derek. “Nicholas was a charming man who always found the time for others. He will be missed.”