From Belfast Telegraph

Chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has revealed he has cancer.

The television legend, 78, is currently undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer but said he confident of fighting the disease and returning to full health.

In an interview with the Press Association, Sir Michael said: “It was a great shock, but I have been told to expect to make a full recovery.”

Sir Michael, affectionately known as “Parky” to his legion of fans, was diagnosed with the disease in May after a routine health check.

Doctors immediately began organising his treatment, which involves five sessions of radiotherapy a week.

The renowned journalist and interviewer said he was left in shock by the diagnosis, but said he was “in wonder” at the “marvellous” work of medical staff after initial thoughts of his own mortality.

The 78-year-old said: “I had to start calling a few of my social engagements to tell them I couldn’t do it – what do you say to them? When you are told you have something like cancer, it is a shock.

“But the cancer specialist said: ‘I will assure you, you will not die of this.’

“I am concerned about it, of course, but I am not frightened of it.”

Sir Michael’s career has seen him welcome the likes of Muhammad Ali, David Beckham and Rod Hull – with puppet Emu – onto his chat shows during a long and distinguished career.

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