'Nicholas Parson’s shoes are way too big to fill'

Sue Perkins has been announced as the first permanent host of  Just A Minute since the death of Nicholas Parsons.

The comic, who has been a panellist on the long-running Radio 4 time a total of 58 times, was one of the guest host of the last series.

Now she will take over the chair for the forthcoming 87th series.

She said: ‘I’m beyond delighted to be asked to host this most legendary of shows. Nicholas’ shoes are way too big to fill, but I shall bring my own shoes, and work my socks off in them to keep our listeners entertained.’

Parsons’ widow, Annie welcomed the comic into the chair her husband occupied for 50 years.

She said: ‘As the Minute Waltz fades away, I have no doubt that Nicholas would be delighted to know that Just A Minute will continue long into the future under the superb guardianship of Sue Perkins who fully understands and embraces possibly the most often repeated five words on TV or radio; "Without hesitation, repetition or deviation".’   

Perkins first appeared on Just A Minute in 2000, and her first programme as permanent host will air on September 6. In her guest hosting role earlier this year she oversaw a line-up of Stephen Fry, Jenny Eclair, Desiree Burch and Paul Merton.

The other guest hosts who tried out the role included Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Lucy Porter, Stephen Fry, Jo Brand, Jenny Eclair, Tom Allen and Nish Kumar 

Radio 4 controller  Mohit Bakaya said: ‘A repetition of Nicholas Parsons’ singular, and much missed, genius, was never likely, and a deviation was always on the cards.

‘However, it is without any hesitation that I announce my absolute delight that Sue Perkins has agreed to be the new host of Just A Minute. She is a brilliant, quick-witted comedian, who will, I know, make JAM her very own.

‘I look forward to hearing how she will hold the likes of Paul and Gyles to account as she keeps the flag flying on this much loved member of the Radio 4 family.’

Just A Minute was first broadcast on Radio 4 in 1967, with Parsons as host. He died in January last year at the age of 96.

As well as Merton, previous regulars include  Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams  and Peter Jones.

Published: 20 Jul 2021