Parkinson

In a selection of highlights from Sir Peter Ustinov's appearances on his show, Michael Parkinson looks back at a multitalented and multilingual writer, director, actor, raconteur, Oscar winner and tireless ambassador for Unicef. The interviews offer a poignant reminder of Ustinov's intelligence and ability to entertain.

A look at some of the best guests and performances from the first four series of Parkinson on ITV1.

The veteran broadcaster continues the final series of the chat show with a special edition looking back at the musical highlights of its 36-year run - including a look at the first-ever episode and an insight into how its famous theme tune was composed. With special performances by Annie Lennox and Joe Cocker, plus an exclusive duet by Rod Stewart and Michael Bublé.

Hand picked by the veteran broadcaster himself, the penultimate episode of his final series sees Parky talking to some of his favourite interviewees from the past 35 years, David Beckham, Billy Connolly, Judi Dench, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Peter Kay and Dame Edna Everage. Also performing live in the studio is Jamie Cullum, who regards the host as someone who helped him break into the mainstream by showcasing his music back in 2003/

It's the end of an era as Michael Parkinson presents the last of three special editions bringing his 36 years as a TV chat show host to a close. Tonight though, there are no live guests - just Michael sharing his memories of his favourite encounters, many of which have reached legendary status - Muhammad Ali, Fred Astaire, Richard Burton and Orson Welles, to name but a few. Parkinson first became established as a regular fixture on Saturday nights over on the BBC, where his chat show began back in 1971, and throughout the years, he has interviewed thousands of guests, reading like a who's who of popular culture over the past four decades. Since his arrival at ITV in 2004 he has welcomed stars including Tom Cruise, Madonna, John Travolta, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Robbie Williams, Lauren Bacall, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler and Kate Winslet. What better way to pay tribute to Britain's number one talk show host than to wallow in the nostalgia of his favourite.

This collection celebrates the great talkers and demonstrates what the Parkinson show was all about. By concentrating in greater depth on individuals who remain fresh in the memory and high in my esteem you’ll be entertained, informed and reminded that the show gave time and space for the guest to talk on whatever subject took their fancy. So sit back and enjoy the likes of Oprah Winfrey on her extraordinary childhood, Michael Caine on learning to drive Hollywood Style, Dr Jacob Bronowski’s thoughts on the morality of science, Jonathan Miller’s chicken impressions, Peter Ustinov’s ordeal at the hands of Japan’s answer to Michael Parkinson, Dame Judi Dench on Shakespeare in the nude, Don McCullin on war photography and Bette Midler on performing in Turkish Baths.