Nicholas Parsons has died.
The ‘Just a Minute’ presenter passed away at the age of 96 in the early hours of Monday (28.01.20) morning following a short illness, his agent has confirmed.
A statement issued by his agent Jean Diamond, on behalf of his family, said: "Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January after a short illness at the age of 96.
"He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital."
The former ‘Sale of the Century’ host – who married his second wife Ann in 1995 – missed a recording of ‘Just a Minute’ for the first time ever last April and then another in August due to a back problem.
In September, he admitted his health problems stemmed from pushing himself too hard but he was looking forward to getting bck to work.
He said: "I took on too much work really. I was in Edinburgh for the Festival, doing ‘Just A Minute’ and other shows around the country but for a man of 95 I was pushing myself too far.
"That was fine because I’ve got good stamina but I had a nasty fall on the train that set off events which were not very comfortable and landed me in hospital for a bit whilst I recovered.
"I’m home now recuperating and doing fine. The brain’s working well and I’m looking forward to getting back to work. I’m fully recovered but not strong enough to go back to work just yet but I will be very soon!"