Radio 4 reveals first guest hosts since his death

Just a Minute is to continue despite the death of Nicholas Parsons, Radio 4 has revealed.

The long-running programme will be chaired by a series of guest hosts when it returns next year, including Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Lucy Porter, Stephen Fry, Jo Brand and Nish Kumar.

Four more presenters to complete the ten-episode series will be announced before it airs in February.

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s commissioning editor for comedy said: ‘We’re delighted that this group of superbly talented guest hosts will be joining us to take part in the brilliant and much loved game that is Just a Minute. 

‘Nicholas Parsons was of course the maestro and he loved working with the many panellists who appeared over the years.

‘We’re looking forward to hearing what some of those panellists and the other guest hosts will bring to this iconic show; its return promises to be a joyful treat for those many listeners who adore the programme.’

Parsons chaired Just A Minute from 1967 until 2019. He was booked for the pilot episode as a panel member, but reluctantly stood in for Jimmy Edwards, who was unavailable on Sundays, the proposed recording dates.

He only ever  missed four episodes, because of illness in 2018, and was replaced by Brandreth on each occasion.

Parsons died on January 28 this year, at the age of 96.

Published: 11 Dec 2020