AN Australian actor says it was ‘a great pleasure’ to take on the daunting task of becoming the first person to play chat show legend Sir Michael Parkinson CBE.

The Cudworth-born king of television had an illustrious career, interviewing the likes of Muhammad Ali and Billy Connolly.

However, an interview he held with Robbie Williams has resurfaced with the scene being recreated in the Take That star’s new bipoc Better Man.

Retelling Robbie’s life with a computer generated chimp playing the role of the Stoke-on-Trent-born popstar the pivotal scene in the film sees Robbie at the height of his fame make an exciting appearance on Parky’s popular chat show.

Australian actor John Waters who appeared alongside Mel Gibson in the 80s war film Attack Force Z takes on the role, channelling Parky’s unmistakable voice after meeting Barnsley’s most famous face a couple of times years prior.

Ideas for this casting were envisioned as far back as 2022, though Parky himself always joked that a different actor should portray him on the silver screen.

His son, Mike Parkinson, told the Chronicle: “Early in the negotiations when I learnt that John was to play my dad I did jokingly suggest that my father thought Brad Pitt was a more suitable choice.

“However, my dad knew John, liked him and was very happy that he was to play him in the film.

“We did receive a lovely email form John after he had filmed the scene saying how much he had enjoyed playing my father and apologising that they didn’t hire Brad Pitt instead.”

John added: “I knew Parky so it was a great pleasure to play him.

“He sadly died a few weeks after the movie’s shoot, but before we started he sent me a message saying he was disappointed they had cast me as he had requested Brad Pitt they told him they’d found someone who works cheap.”