Parky bows out in tearful finale

Veteran chatshow host Michael Parkinson fought back tears last night as he signed off on a 36-year talk show career. A 'wish list' of guests - David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Edna Everage, Billy Connolly, Peter Kay and Jamie Cullum - all took part. Parkinson told the audience: "I was told to pick a wish list and I put down these names and every single one of them is here."
 
In an emotional farewell as the recording came to a close, he said: "Over the years it has been a privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people. It has always been a great joy and I shall miss it." Parkinson, who has been hosting his own talk show since 1971, has interviewed around 2,000 celebrities including Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicholson, Orson Welles, Ingrid Bergman and David Bowie in more than 600 shows.
 
"Don't go!" pleaded Billy Connolly, before joking: "It's the only TV I get. Nobody else will have me." Judi Dench sang a song which sent up Parkinson's famously frosty interview with actress Meg Ryan and another where he was attacked by puppet Emu. David Beckham told of his disappointment at England's football defeat by Croatia at Wembley and received a large cheer from the audience. The two-hour special will be shown on December 15. ·