Its about time Parky went - not only was going to ITV a bad move - the lack of continuity with ad breaks does not suit the style of the show but his stuttering and "I mean"s are unprofessional and time wasting. Nowadays professional Celebs are as monotonous as he is.

Joe Harlan, Slough,

Parky,

As a fellow Yorkshireman I have warmed to your TV shows each time I returned to the UK.

I will always remember your description of some cricketer as "Having hands as useful as a chocalate tea pot" .

I wish you all the best and hope to see you back on the screen when I revisit the Uk.

Kenneth Bell, Nashville, Tennessee USA

Parky sold out completely. Just a chippy yob in a suit, another professional Northerner. Hopefully we won't have to put up with him sneering at MCC from his box any more. Good riddance.

Dicky Bird, Barnsley,

At last. I thought he'd never shut up. One of the most over-rated, luvvy-duvvy, bland, and dull broadcasters around. I mean, what did he do ? (apart from put softball questions to - mostly - other luvvy-duvvys). This guy has nowhere near the ability, style, or interest of - say - Frost, or Whicker.

Still, on the plus side, he's a damn sight better than Ross and Church !

RJA, Nottingham, England, UK.

Parky makes it all look so easy - just a few friends round for a chat; seamless changes of direction in his questioning, an effortless ability to get the best out of his guests - and draw out a few secrets. Some of the best TV moments over the years have been with Parky. He has got a little more daring in his language of late, but you'd let granny watch. Is this going to be the last of the real chat shows? Parky is one of the greats of entertainment. Who could replace him? Nobody.

Derek D., London, England

More importantly, is Monsieur Parkinson also giving up his Sunday morning radio (sorry, wireless) programme?
Contrary to your Ms. Purves, I have never thought his interviews "sycophantic", but just gently goading -
Unlike "Steve Wright in the afternoon" on BBC2: catch it any day, sucking up to any little visitor from US or wherever, often unheard of, often talentless.

MikeM, St. Albans, England

His is one of the few TV programmes I would make a point of watching. Such a shame.

C Bradshaw, Llantrisant, S Wales

Although his show will be missed, I believe that it was lacking that 'must see' factor of earlier series. It is wrong to accuse Parky of being too slow as some have said as the simple truth is that he was never quick, thankfully, and speedy questioning hardly makes a better interviewer.

Unlike many other chat-show hosts I believe he was more interested in what his guests had to say rather than listening to his own voice (take Johnathan Ross as a prime example). It appears however, that his show has degenerated to become merely a showcase for guests to talk about their new book/album/show/film and little else. He will be missed but I believe he has made the right decision.

Good luck on your new ventures 'Parky'.

Tim N, Coventry, UK West Midlands

I watch Parky in West Africa in amongst a slew of American stuff. He certainly gained iconic satus years ago and will miss his gentleman, meassured approach. I'm beginning to feel my years, what with the passing of Alistair Cook andnow Parky retiring. I wonder if his time of show is, as noted above, ran out of time akin to Top of the Pops...

Ian, Lome, Togo

Parkinsons peak was in the 70's and unfortunate as it may seem things have to change. Generations move on and the younger viewers require a more light-hearted presentation. Jonathan Ross may not be to everyones taste and for me works far better on TV than he does on radio, when he doesn't know when to shut up.

I think Al Murray would be a great replacement. His Happy Hour was guaranteed to bring a smile and let's face it shows like these need to be about entertaining. If you want serious, watch newsnight.

I personally cannot abide Parkys grumpy demeanor and obsession with Frank Sinatra - enough to bring anyone's Sunday morning down. No offence. I guess at his age it's his perogative.

Paul Ritchie, Southampton,

Like many tv personalities, Parkinson was greatly overrated.

BERNARD BLACK, WATERLOOVILLE, ENGLAND

Yes he is slowing down but he's still faster than a lot of the dross that seems to grace our telly these days. What would you rather watch, Big Brother, American Idol X Factor thing, Tranny and Susannah... ? Give me strenght! I love you Parky and look forward to the autobiography.

Sally, Singapore,

Mr Parkinson is a class act.

T V does not do class any more, could be why he is going.

We looked forward to watching his show.

Thank you for many years of enjoyment.

Brian Tyrrell, Fareham, Hampshire

Maybe the chat show generally has had its day. There just aren't the interesting people to interview anymore. It's just become another arm of PR for celebs to plug themselves as if you weren't bombarded with enough trivia about them already.

carole, London, UK

I've been a huge fan of Michael Parkinson's for as many years as we've been lucky enough to see his wonderful Show in Australia.

There will never be another Parky.

I wish him a long and happy retirement.

Joanne Neil, Melbourne, Australia

Parky used to be very good but he has slowed down noticably in recent years and it is time to go out to grass. Why oh why won't they enforce grass on Terry Wogan, ....... he gives geriatrics a bad name with his cock-ups and refusals to accept responsibility for them.

John, Dundee, UK

Thank goodness Parky's retiring. His 1970s chat show, when he interviewed guests as talented and diverse as Jacob Bronowski, Muhammad Ali and Billy Connolly, was must-see TV, however Parky's later shows on the BBC and his subsequent series on ITV is proof of the old saying that you should never go back. Parkinson interviewing minor soap actors and acting as a PR man for an 80s pop star who has a habit of getting arrested has been toe-curling. Parky shouldn't have made the same mistake as the great Ali and carried on past his peak.

Stephen Massey, Glasgow,

cannot believe that parky will not continue his talk show,my family,age ranging from 20 years to 67 years were commenting on saturday night ,how superior Parkys show was to Jonathan Ross how can the BBC justify the salary they pay him to insult his guests? please do not replace him with anyone resembling Jonathan Ross's style

B Shaw, liverpool, england

good ridens...

i've seen more excitement watching a washing machine

than wait for Michael P to ask one of his questions!

nothing personal!

tim ellis, surrey, uk