Parky turns 80.

I can never quite make up my mind about Sir Michael Parkinson. On the one hand, there’s much to admire. Son of a miner, left school at 15 to work on the local paper, did his National Service and became the youngest ever Captain in the British Army. He then returned to journalism, moved into TV and became the quintessential chat show host, interviewing some of the most famous people in the world. And yet there’s always been something slightly chippy, curmudgeonly and naff about Parky. His recent, truly dreadful TV ads for over-50s insurance policies are a case in point. Why do them? He cannot possibly need the money. But this album cover shows the Parky we knew and loved – in his 1970s heyday. Alongside – come on, name them – Kenny Lynch, Paul McCartney, James Coburn, Linda McCartney, Clement Freud, Christopher Lee, Denny Laine and John Conteh.