Broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96 after a short illness, his agent has confirmed.

Doctor Who fans will of course remember his consummate performance as The Rev. Mr. Wainwright in the 1989 story “The Curse of Fenric“, which has just been released as part of the Doctor Who Collection: Season 26.

Parsons had hosted Radio 4’s Just A Minute since its inception in 1967.

“Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January,” said a statement issued by his agent Jean Diamond.

“He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital.”

BBC Radio 4’s Just A Minute is a long-running and popular panel game where guests are asked to speak for a full minute on a single subject without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

Parsons presented his last programme on 23 September last year. Radio 4 has announced it will broadcast a tribute to Parsons at 18:30 GMT on Tuesday.

He also appeared on the Benny Hill Show for several years after joining in 1969 and also fronted ITV game show Sale of the Century.

His other TV appearances include The Comic Strip Presents and Have I Got News For You.

BBC director-general Tony Hall said: “Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over the decades, and no-one deserves to be called a broadcasting legend more than Nicholas Parsons.

“His charm, inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”

Graham Norton led the tributes on social media, writing: “The sound of the final whistle. Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever worked with.

“His continued delight at being a part of showbusiness should be an inspiration to us all! Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family.”

Paul Merton, who worked with Parsons on Just A Minute, said in a statement: “He was always upbeat, and loved to work. He gave 100% to everything he did.

“Nicholas was the embodiment of Just A Minute, and his chairmanship was always very fair and very honest.

“I will miss him greatly as a friend, particularly as I thought he would be around forever.”

Stephen Fry tweeted: “He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement: never scripted, always immaculate. From comedian’s sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century and much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism and commitment. Farewell x.”