Frank Skinner says Sir Michael Parkinson ‘wasn’t that nice’

Frank Skinner has claimed that the late Sir Michael Parkinson ‘wasn’t that nice’ to him during an interview.

The comedian chatted with Parkinson in 2004 on his long-running self-titled series. Now, two decades later, Frank, 67, has reflected on the experience while appearing on Good Morning Britain, claiming Parkinson could have been more polite.

The conversation around Parky began when discussing the new podcast that will include an AI version of the chat show host, who died aged 88 in August 2023 after a brief illness.

The technology has analysed 2,000 past interviews to create a replica-Parkinson, who will grill eight celebrities on a new world-first podcast.

Called Virtually Parkinson, the episodes are to be created with the support of his family and estate, but have been criticised by several as ‘disrespectful’.

When asked by presenters Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins how he feels about the announcement, Frank said he would ‘definitely’ be up for being a guest.

Explaining his reasoning, Frank said it may be more fun than his actual experience: ‘No disrespect, but I think it would be great to be interviewed by it. I did the real Michael Parkinson and he wasn’t that nice to me, so I think I’d prefer the AI.’

The declaration amused Ed, 57, and Charlotte, 49, who giggled with Frank.

Giving further insight into what happened on the episode that aired on September 18 2004, Frank recalled being told off for conversing with fellow guest, Olympic gold medalist rower Matthew Pinsent.

‘Parkinson was talking to me and I turned to Matthew and said “Matthew, you must have this in your career”. Parkinson said “Are you talking to him or are you doing an interview?”‘

Frank concluded: ‘You wouldn’t get that from AI, they’ve got manners.’

At the time of transmission, some viewers picked up on the uncomfortable energy between the stars.

‘Maybe I am reading too much into things, but was that all quite awkward?’ Pop Princess wrote on a Digital Spy forum. Matty J added: ‘Didn’t look like there was any flow to the show. Parkinson didn’t seem to like any of Frank’s jokes.’

Account System had a theory that an advert break was aired earlier than scheduled to avoid more lingering awkwardness.

Frank and Parkinson were previously pitted against each other due to scheduling conflicts.

In 2001, The Frank Skinner Show was aired on ITV at a time similar to BBC’s Parkinson, before he moved to ITV in 2004.

The Frank Skinner Show ran from 1995 to 2005, beginning on BBC before also making the transfer to ITV in 2000. Over nine series, they attracted huge guests such as Noel Gallagher, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie Lee Curtis with the episodes including a standup routine, unconventional interviews, and comedic songs.

Parkinson, which ran from 1971 to 1982 and then from 1998 to 2007, followed a more traditional format, and also featured A-List celebrities such as David Beckham, Sir Elton John, and Muhammad Ali.

At the time, Parkinson was asked if he was concerned about the rivalry. ‘I wouldn’t have thought we’ve got anything to worry about. If they want to do that, they’re welcome to. I like Frank. I do admire him,’ he told BBC.

The Frank Skinner Show was attracting around eight million views, while Parkinson was ahead with nine million.