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8m watch Parky goodbye

18/12/2007

Michael Parkinson's final ITV1 chat show pulled in an audience of 8.3 million people on Sunday night.

The veteran broadcaster concluded his chat show career with a superb lineup of guests including Sir Michael Caine, Dame Judi Dench and Sir David Attenborough.

He also interviewed Billy Connolly and David Beckham, two of his favourite guests from the show's 30-year history, as well as Peter Kay, who started his television career as the host's warm-up comedian.

Parky will sign off his television career with a special edition looking at highlights from the show, including famed interviews with Muhammad Ali, Sir Ian McKellen and an unforgettably uncomfortable encounter with Hollywood actress Meg Ryan.

The BBC confirmed yesterday that clips from Parkinson's BBC shows are to be made available on the corporation's dedicated channel on internet video site YouTube.

Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide, said: "Parkinson is a legend in his own lifetime and has interviewed some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

"We've chosen some of the best and worst moments for people to watch online so whether you want to hear about Gillian Anderson on the X Files or Mel Gibson on practical jokes, www.youtube.com/bbcworldwide is the place for you."

The BBC signed a deal with YouTube in March 2007 to give internet users access to a raft of clips from classic BBC shows including Spooks, Doctor Who and Top Gear.