Xuenou > Podcasts > Michelle Keegan show dropped from BBC to air Michael Parkinson tribute instead
Michelle Keegan show dropped from BBC to air Michael Parkinson tribute instead
Michelle Keegan show dropped from BBC to air Michael Parkinson tribute instead,BBC One will air a 2021 documentary devoted to legendary presenter Michael Parkinson this evening following the heartbreaking news of his death at the age of 88

Michelle Keegan show dropped from BBC to air Michael Parkinson tribute instead

The BBC has announced a major change to this evening's programming schedule (August 17) in the wake of the death of Sir Michael Parkinson at the age of 88.

The veteran broadcaster's family confirmed he passed away peacefully at home last night following a brief illness.

It means there will be no repeat of Michelle Keegan's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? at 9pm.

READ MORE: Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88 as tributes pour in for broadcasting legend

Instead, the Beeb will air the 2021 documentary Parkinson At 50 in memory of the Yorkshireman, who interviewed some of the biggest names in showbusiness.

Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? has been dropped in favour of a Michael Parkinson tribute so (Image: BBC)

A selection of Parky's high-profile guests include Muhammad Ali, Robin Williams, Sir Elton John, Madonna and David Beckham.

Confirming the change, meanwhile, a BBC statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: "In a change to scheduled programming, Parkinson At 50 will air on @BBCOne tonight from 9pm.

"You can also watch the documentary on @BBCiPlayer now, along with some of Sir Michael Parkinson's classic interviews."

Sir Michael Parkinson
Sir Michael passed away on August 16 aged 88, his family have confirmed (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

The director-general of the BBC also paid tribute to the late star and branded him "the king of the chat show" and an "incredible broadcaster and journalist."

In a statement, Tim Davie said: "Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.

"He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.

"Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed."

Michellle Keegan
Who Do You Think You Are? starring the former Corrie star will now air at a later date (Image: BBC)

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Parkinson's self-titled show first launched on the BBC on June 19, 1971 and enjoyed a successful run until 1982 – but that wasn't enough to slow him down.

In 1998, his chat show was revived and certainly came back with a bang with his late-night show becoming an instant hit with viewers up and down the country.

It switched to ITV in 2004, meanwhile, and ran for a further three years before his retirement.

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