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British Broadcasting Legend Nicholas Parsons Dies at 96


FILE - British radio and television presenter Nicholas Parsons poses with his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal given to him by Queen Elizabeth II at an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, April 15, 2014.
FILE - British radio and television presenter Nicholas Parsons poses with his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal given to him by Queen Elizabeth II at an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, April 15, 2014.

Legendary British broadcaster and entertainer Nicholas Parsons, best remembered as host of the BBC radio game show "Just a Minute," has died after a brief illness at 96.

Parsons introduced the show in 1967 and hosted nearly 1,000 episodes before retiring this past September.

The game requires celebrity panelists to talk about a given subject nonstop for 60 seconds without repeating themselves. The show has been broadcast globally on the BBC World Service, attracting millions of fans worldwide.

Parsons was known for his arbitrary judgments and penalties, frustrating the players but amusing the audience.

Parsons also hosted television game shows, and was the comedic partner to comedian Benny Hill.

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