Parkinson's last stand

Michael Parkinson had to fight back tears as he recorded the final interviews for his long-running talk show.

The TV veteran handpicked the final lineup himself, which included David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Peter Kay, Dame Edna Everage. Jamie Cullum provided the music.

The special two-hour show is one of three to end Parkinson's career as a chat show king.

At the end of filming for the special, Parkinson said: "Over the years it has been a privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people."

During the programme Beckham talked about England's defeat against Croatia on Wednesday night and Peter Kay dressed Parky as a lollipop man and told him he should take the job now that he is unemployed.

Cullum sang 'Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone' as a tribute to the presenter and Dame Judi also performed a song for him.

Parkinson announced earlier this year that this series of the ITV1 show would be his last ever. He has also quit his Radio 2 show so that he can write his autobiography and travel.