[Arneldo]

TV veteran Michael Parkinson is to retire as a chat show host after three decades, he announced today.

His final ITV1 series will be broadcast this autumn.

Parkinson joined the channel in 2004 after defecting from the BBC.

The 72-year-old said he does not plan to quit TV altogether.

“After three enjoyable and productive years at ITV, and after 25 years of doing my talk show, I have decided that this forthcoming series will be my last,” he announced.

“I’m going to take next year off to write my autobiography and consider other television projects.

“My thanks go out to all those who have worked on the shows down the years and the viewers for their loyal support and occasional kind words.”

The Sun

[CassetteFinger]

really parkinson is such a good programme to

[Matt]

Can't say I've ever watched it but after 25 years I'm not surprised.