TRIBUTES have been paid to the comedian, actor and veteran panel show host Nicholas Parsons.

The 96-year-old mainstay of radio comedy died following a short illness.

The broadcaster was best known for Just A Minute, where panellists have to speak for 60 seconds without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

He had hosted the Radio 4 institution since its inception in 1967, missing only two recordings of the programme.

The comic had strong Scottish roots, having moved to Glasgow as a young man where he studied to be an engineer, working as an apprentice in Yoker during the Second World War.

Scots comic Janey Godley, who was a regular on his radio show, and who was always the first guest on his regular Edinburgh Fringe show, said the man she knew as “Uncle Nicky” was ”born in England, but made in Glasgow”.

She said despite the accent and the cravats, he was a champion of young, working-class comics. He first booked her on his show after reading her biography.

“He said [to me], you’ve got a voice, you need people need to hear your voice,” said Godley.

She added: “Nicholas Parsons was one of the very few old-school iconic comedians/presenters who was very much invested in new and young comics – at Edinburgh, he came to see our shows and spent time getting to know us. He was one of ‘us’, he loved stand-up.

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“He was just such a sweetheart, and I was thinking of him yesterday, but I was conscious of not calling because I knew that he was gravely ill and I didn’t want to be a pain.”

Others, including Stephen Fry, took to Twitter to pay tribute: “He ruled Just A Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement – never scripted, always immaculate.

“From comedian’s sidekick to great institution, via Sale Of The Century and much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism and commitment. Farewell.”

Chat show host and comic Graham Norton said Parsons was “truly the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever worked with”.

“His continued delight at being a part of show business should be an inspiration to us all,” he added.

Writer and broadcaster Writer, broadcaster and actor Gyles Brandreth said it was “the end of an era.”

“I thought he was immortal because he was always so alive,” he added.

“Such sadness today, but what a career to celebrate, from the 1940s to 2020. My hero!”

Radio 4 Today presenter Nick Robinson said: “Parsons was a broadcasting giant who proved that the straight man could be the real star of comedy.

“Will be hugely missed by all who work at and love.”

The broadcaster’s agent issued a statement on behalf of his family: “Nicholas passed away in the early hours of January 28 after a short illness at the age of 96.

“He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously.”