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27th Oct 2024

Sir Michael Parkinson set to be brought back from the dead by AI for new podcast

Charlie Herbert

The project has been backed by his son

Sir Michael Parkinson could be in line for a posthumous return to the world of entertainment thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

The legendary broadcast passed away at the age of 88 last year. Over a lengthy career in television, he became a household name thanks to his chat show Parkinson, in which he interviewed celebrities.

Now, his voice is set to be recreated for a new podcast in which he’ll interview celebrities.

Fans will be able to listen to new “interviews” featuring Parky’s voice as he ‘quizzes’ A-listers.

The project has been backed by the late broadcaster’s son, also called Michael.

A source told the Sun: “The fact that a bizarre project like this is being pursued is a measure of just how adored Parky was and how missed he now is.

“Although it sounds strange, using AI like this will keep the memory of the grand inquisitor alive and remember him for doing what he did best — grilling famous people.”

In a career spanning seven decades, Parkinson interviewed some of the biggest stars in the world, including Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John and Madonna.

He introduced the first Parkinson show in 1971 on BBC television – with US jazz singer Marion Montgomery his first guest – and it ran for 11 years, spanning hundreds of episodes. He later returned to the broadcaster in 1998 for another run of the show.