'Ghostwatch' Host Sir Michael Parkinson Dies Aged 88

August 17, 2023 10:22 AM

This article is more than one year old.

The legendary British broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died today at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family. In a statement, they revealed: "After a brief illness, Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."

Known fondly as "Parky" to his audience, Sir Michael was a beacon of British television and radio for many decades. While his extensive and illustrious career is celebrated for his interviews with some of the world’s most prominent figures, one of his most memorable and haunting appearances was as the host of the 1992 BBC One Halloween special, 'Ghostwatch'.

On Halloween night in 1992, Parkinson welcomed viewers with the chilling words: "The programme you're about to watch is a unique live investigation of the supernatural." Presented as a live documentary, 'Ghostwatch' is forever etched in the memories of its viewers for its vivid storytelling and harrowing portrayal of a haunting. The show left viewers in deep concern for the fates of its presenters, notably Sarah Greene, who was depicted "live" in the haunted house on Foxhill Drive, and Parky himself, whose character found himself in a possessed Studio 6 at BBC Television Centre as paranormal chaos unfolded.

The creator of 'Ghostwatch', Stephen Volk, aimed to add authenticity to the chilling narrative by recruiting celebrated figures that the British public knew and trusted. In this regard, Parkinson was an inspired choice. As a host who viewers had welcomed into their living rooms for years, Parkinson played himself in 'Ghostwatch' and thus added a layer of terrifying realism to the proceedings as he watched events unfold from the studio. His calm and composed demeanour made the spiralling paranormal activity feel all the more unsettling, and his involvement is credited with contributing significantly to the show's gripping and eerie atmosphere.

While 'Ghostwatch' was a departure from Parkinson's usual line of work, his role in it is celebrated as a moment where the lines between fiction and reality were masterfully blurred on national television. It is a testament to his skill and versatility as a broadcaster that he could seamlessly transition from the role of a chat show host to that of a believable figure in what would become one of the most talked-about television events of its time.

In 2022, in recognition of its audacious and innovative approach to storytelling, 'Ghostwatch' was included in the British Film Institute’s list of 100 shows that revolutionised broadcasting, as part of the celebrations for a century of the BBC.

Today, as we remember Sir Michael Parkinson, we do so not only as the iconic, trusted, and beloved interviewer but also as a man who wasn't afraid to venture into new and unsettling territories for the sake of groundbreaking television. His contribution to 'Ghostwatch' remains a standout moment in a career abundant with standout moments.

Our thoughts are with Sir Michael Parkinson's family during this difficult time, and we join the world in mourning the loss of a true giant of broadcasting, whose legacy will continue to influence and inspire for generations to come.

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