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Sir Michael Parkinson's chat show guests over the years - in pictures

Sir Michael Parkinson interviewed the biggest names in acting, music and sport on his prime-time chat show, which ran from 1971.

Here is a selection of the estimated 2,000 famous guests he encountered over four decades.

Boxer Muhammad Ali was one of Parkinson's most famous guests, and is pictured sparring with the host on his second visit in 1974

BBC Muhammad Ali and Michael Parkinson on the Parkinson show on 7 December 1974 — Boxer Muhammad Ali was one of Parkinson's most famous guests, and is pictured sparring with the host on his second visit in 1974

Ali returned to the Parkinson studio in 1981

BBC Michael Parkinson with his guest Muhammad Ali in 1981 — Ali returned to the Parkinson studio in 1981

Footballer George Best was also interviewed multiple times, and the pair became good friends

BBC Michael Parkinson with George Best in 1975 — Footballer George Best was also interviewed multiple times, and the pair became good friends

Former Hollywood child star Shirley Temple was a guest in 1972

Getty Images Presenter Michael Parkinson and actress Shirley Temple on the set of the television chat show 'Parkinson', June 1972. — Former Hollywood child star Shirley Temple was a guest in 1972

Comedy legend Peter Sellers brought a ukulele for his appearance in 1974

Getty Images Comedian Peter Sellers (left) and presenter Michael Parkinson on the BBC television chat show 'Parkinson', November 9th 1974. — Comedy legend Peter Sellers brought a ukulele for his appearance in 1974

Parkinson with Morecambe and Wise in 1976

Radio Times Michael Parkinson with Morecambe and Wise in 1976 — Parkinson with Morecambe and Wise in 1976

Another comedian, Sir Billy Connolly, was one of the best-loved and most frequent interviewees, pictured on Parkinson's show One to One in 1987

ITV/Shutterstock Sir Michael Parkinson with Sir Billy Connolly on Parkinson - One to One in 1987 — Another comedian, Sir Billy Connolly, was one of the best-loved and most frequent interviewees, pictured on Parkinson's show One to One in 1987

Sir Billy had Sir Michael and Tom Cruise in stitches during an appearance on Parkinson in 2004

ITV/Shutterstock Sir Michael Parkinson with Sir Billy Connolly and Tom Cruise — Sir Billy had Sir Michael and Tom Cruise in stitches during an appearance on Parkinson in 2004

Sir David Attenborough was a guest in 2002

BBC Sir Michael Parkinson with Sir David Attenborough in 2002 — Sir David Attenborough was a guest in 2002

Sir Paul McCartney brought his guitar in 2005

Ken McKay/Shutterstock Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir Paul McCartney in 2005 — Sir Paul McCartney brought his guitar in 2005

David Bowie and Tom Hanks joined the host in 2002

BBC David Bowie, Michael Parkinson and Tom Hanks in 2002 — David Bowie and Tom Hanks joined the host in 2002

In 2001, Victoria Beckham let slip that her nickname for husband David was "Goldenballs"

BBC Sir Michael Parkinson with Victoria and David Beckham in 2001 — In 2001, Victoria Beckham let slip that her nickname for husband David was "Goldenballs"

Comedian Peter Kay started out as Sir Michael's warm-up man, before appearing as a guest

BBC Sir Michael Parkinson and Peter Kay in 2003 — Comedian Peter Kay started out as Sir Michael's warm-up man, before appearing as a guest

Sir Michael and George Clooney in 2003

BBC Michael Parkinson and George Clooney in 2003 — Sir Michael and George Clooney in 2003

With actor Sir Michael Caine in 2004

BBC Michael Parkinson and actor Sir Michael Caine in 2004 — With actor Sir Michael Caine in 2004

Parkinson was criticised for questioning Helen Mirren about her "equipment" and "physical attributes" in 1975 - she returned 31 years later when she starred in The Queen

Ken McKay/Shutterstock Sir Michael Parkinson and Dame Helen Mirren in 2006 — Parkinson was criticised for questioning Helen Mirren about her "equipment" and "physical attributes" in 1975 - she returned 31 years later when she starred in The Queen

Sir Michael with Victoria Wood in 2000

BBC Michael Parkinson with Victoria Wood in 2000 — Sir Michael with Victoria Wood in 2000

Will Smith got the host out of his chair

ITV/Shutterstock Sir Michael Parkinson and Will Smith dancing — Will Smith got the host out of his chair

Dame Judi Dench appeared on the show in 2002

BBC Sir Michael Parkinson and Dame Judi Dench in 2002 — Dame Judi Dench appeared on the show in 2002

An up-and-coming MP named Boris Johnson was a guest in 2003

BBC Sir Michael Parkinson with Boris Johnson in 2003 — An up-and-coming MP named Boris Johnson was a guest in 2003

All photos subject to copyright.

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