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Sir Michael Parkinson: 'I have cancer'

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Sir Michael Parkinson, 78, has revealed that he is suffering from prostrate cancer, which was discovered during a routine check-up. "I have prostate cancer - and I must admit it is a bore," he told The Sun. "I am 78. Of course mortality is on the mind. But I'm not afraid.""I have been told to expect to make a full recovery. And that is the goal. My wife Mary has been a tremendous support and while she has been, of course, very upset, she can see how I have approached this."

Michael Parkinson© Photo: Getty Images

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The Yorkshire-born chatshow host has been undergoing radiotherapy, and has spoken out in the hope that it will encourage other men to visit the doctor when they have symptoms of the disease.

Sir Michael is best known for his chatshow Parkinson, which ran from 1971-1982 and then again from 1998 until 2007. His chatshow attracted a host of A-list guests, including John Lennon, and Muhammed Ali. He conducted a famous interview with Victoria and David Beckham, during which the Spice Girl let slip that her nickname for her husband was "Goldenballs". Sir Michael also had what has been described as "one of the most awkward interviews ever" with Hollywood actress Meg Ryan.

During the awkward discussion, Sir Michael asked Meg: "If you were me, what would you do now?""Just wrap it up," replied Meg.

Michael, who launched a new chatshow series on Sky Arts this year, has vowed to continue working despite his cancer diagnosis.