Parkinson claims chat shows are dead

Michael Parkinson has claimed that his programme was the only remaining example of a true TV chat show.

The TV host, who fronted his last ever episode of Parkinson last weekend, has insisted that Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton's shows focus on comedy rather than conversation.

"This is the end of polite conversation," Parkinson told The Mirror. "No one else does what I do. It's gone forever."

"Jonathan and Graham, they have their place... but don't tell me that it's a talk show," he continued. "It's not, it's a comedy show. Jonathan is a witty, funny, loveable character and I can see why they pay him so much. But none of them would claim to do what I do, and I wouldn't claim to do what they do."

Parkinson has warned ITV bosses that they will be making a mistake if they replace his programme with comedy shows on Saturday night.

"ITV will put comedy shows in my slot, but they are chasing a mythical audience," he said. "I don't think there are too many 16 to 34-year-olds watching television on Saturday night, they are out having a good time."