Sky Arts are pulling out all the stops to get some big names lined up with the channel, and the latest coup is that veteran chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has been persuaded to come out of retirement to host a new chat show on the channel.

He will present Masterclass with Michael Parkinson, which will see the iconic host interviewing a host of celebrities.

The show will also feature exclusive performances from big names in the music industry, and even “dramatic recitals” each week.

A show insider told the Mirror, “It will be an in-depth interview with one big star each week and a chance to celebrate their career.

“These are not going to be the type of interviews where someone is on to plug a book or a CD.”

The paper adds, “The studio audience will also be able to pose questions to the interviewee.”

76 year old Michael, who of course presented Parkinson from 1971 to 2007, said, “I’m delighted…”

The channel’s director James Hunt was somewhat more verbose, and said that signing Michael for the network was a “privilege” given he’s “one of our country’s finest broadcasters”.

He added, “It’s a real privilege to welcome Sir Michael onto the channel.

“This new interview series will allow Sir Michael to get closer than ever before to his
subject, extracting the essence of their character in a way that only he can.

“We’re delighted to welcome him on board.”

Filming for the series begins in May, and it’s expected to debut in September.

In the meantime, here’s one of Parky’s most notable interviews…