Anne Diamond outlines Michael Parkinson’s ‘biggest regret’ in touching tribute to late presenter

A host of celebrities have paid tribute to the presenter, including Elton John, who dubbed him a “TV legend” and “one of the greats”.

Broadcaster Anne Diamond told GB News’ Nigel Farage that she remembers Parkinson for his reputable interviewing style, but said the TV legend had one “regret”.

WATCH ANNE DIAMOND'S TRIBUTE BELOW

“His interviews are worth watching because of him, but at the time, he made the interviewees sparkle”, she said.

“He never thought he was that important. He thought he was an ordinary Barnsley boy.

“He asked the important questions and the ones you in your living room wanted to ask.

“The big regret of his life was that he never got to interview Frank Sinatra.

“Apparently he met Sinatra at a big party and he was introduced to him and Sinatra said ‘maybe’, but at the end of the conversation, Sinatra said ‘I’ll try to remember you.

“We all remember him.”

It comes after the late presenter was branded the “soul of Yorkshire” by Sir Geoffrey Boycott.

Before his famous broadcasting career got off the ground, Sir Michael and Barnsley Cricket Club opening partner Dickie Bird had trials at Yorkshire alongside future England batter Sir Geoffrey.

Sir Michael once kept Sir Geoffrey out of his hometown Barnsley team but the pair, plus Bird, a former international umpire and one of the most recognisable figures in cricket, established lifelong friendships from their teens.

He told GB News: “He was the best chat show host because he listened to people.

“He not only asked questions but he listened to them and he actually liked them.

“In fact, he didn’t want them on his show unless he wanted to have them.

“He never lost his Yorkshire roots.

“Michael was Yorkshire in every way and he was the soul of Yorkshire.

“He understood how we think, how we talk and that’s why he was able to write about Yorkshire people like me.”