Nicholas Parsons missed an episode of ‘Just A Minute’ for the first time in 50 years on Monday night (04.06.18).
The 94-year-old broadcaster has fronted more than 900 episodes of the Radio 4 comedy panel show but regular panellist Gyles Brandreth had to step in for him last night due to an unexpected absence.
Nicholas’ absence sparked concern from a flurry of fans on Twitter, with one saying "hell had frozen over".
Julia McKenzie, the BBC’s head of radio comedy, took to the social media site to reassure Nicholas’ supporters that he is "totally fine" and is just having "a couple of days off".
She tweeted: "Just to reassure those listening to the very unexpected Just a Minute on @BBCRadio4 at the moment – the apocalypse is not upon us – @GylesB1 kindly stepped in to give Nicholas Parsons a couple of days off. NP is totally fine and is still the guvnor as per the last 50 years (sic)"
At the head of last night’s programme, Giles said: "After 50 years at the helm [he] quite rightly thinks he should be allowed a day off."
Nicholas has hosted ‘Just a Minute’ since December 1967 when the programme first aired on Radio 4, three months after the station’s launch.
The show sees panellists speak about a specific subject for 60 seconds and Nicholas tries to ensure they do so "without hesitation, repetition or deviation".
Prince Charles is known to be a big fan of the programme and made a cameo appearance on the show’s 2016 Christmas special to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.
Nicholas Parsons misses first Just A Minute episode in 50 years
