a warm welcome to the programme. in the past few minutes we've had a statement has died after a brief illness. in a statement his family said he passed away peacefully at home last night. he was 88. in the last few minutes the bbc director general — tim davie — has paid tribute to sir michael calling him "the king of the chat show"david sillito looks back at his life. do you get fed up with each other? 0h, do you get fed up with each other? oh, yes. i call him golden balls now _ oh, yes. i call him golden balls now. y ., oh, yes. i call him golden balls now. y oh, yes. i call him golden balls now. , ., now. do you ever say you dirty rat? never. now. do you ever say you dirty rat? never- jimmy _ now. do you ever say you dirty rat? never. jimmy cagney. _ now. do you ever say you dirty rat? never. jimmy cagney, orson - now. do you ever say you dirty rat? i never. jimmy cagney, orson welles, never. jimmy cagney, orson welles, jimmy stewart. these are all distant

screen because until parkinson brought them into your living room. the pact you are a crowd puller and frazier is not. why is that? he is u:l . he frazier is not. why is that? he is ugly- he has _ frazier is not. why is that? he is ugly- he has no _ frazier is not. why is that? he is ugly. he has no rhythm, - frazier is not. why is that? he is ugly. he has no rhythm, no - frazier is not. why is that? he: 3 ugly. he has no rhythm, no footwork, no class, he can't talk and who told him he could sing? but no class, he can't talk and who told him he could sing?— him he could sing? but of all there is 2000 or— him he could sing? but of all there is 2000 or so _ him he could sing? but of all there is 2000 or so guests _ him he could sing? but of all there is 2000 or so guests one - him he could sing? but of all there is 2000 or so guests one always i is 2000 or so guests one always haunted him. i is 2000 or so guests one always haunted him-— is 2000 or so guests one always haunted him. , ., haunted him. i interviewed everyone from henry kissinger _ haunted him. i interviewed everyone from henry kissinger to _ haunted him. i interviewed everyone from henry kissinger to billy - from henry kissinger to billy connko from henry kissinger to billy connolly to james cagney, all those people, and i only remembered one thing i got attacked by an emu. rod hull and emu rather punctured the rather suave tv persona. i hull and emu rather punctured the rather suave tv persona.— hull and emu rather punctured the rather suave tv persona. i knew we should never— rather suave tv persona. i knew we should never have _ rather suave tv persona. i knew we should never have booked - rather suave tv persona. i knew we should never have booked it. -

rather suave tv persona. i knew we should never have booked it. there| should never have booked it. there was not much _ should never have booked it. there was not much of _ should never have booked it. there was not much of hollywood - should never have booked it. there was not much of hollywood glamour in his childhood as the son of a yorkshire miner. my his childhood as the son of a yorkshire miner. g ., ., ., , yorkshire miner. my generation was the first to challenge _ yorkshire miner. my generation was the first to challenge the _ the first to challenge the assumption that if you are born into assumption that if you are born into a mining family you followed your diapers life footsteps down to the pit. diapers life footsteps down to the it. , diapers life footsteps down to the it, , , . ., , , diapers life footsteps down to the pit. his escapes “ournalism which took him pit. his escapes journalism which took him granada _ pit. his escapes journalism which took him granada tv. _ pit. his escapes journalism which took him granada tv. and - pit. his escapes journalism which took him granada tv. and then l pit. his escapes journalism which | took him granada tv. and then in 1971, the parkinson show. it was a programme that could transform a career. it is a subject for tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times. we billy connolly appeared 15 times. - oyster went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle.— oyster went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle. they became good friends. pulled a muscle. they became good friends- he — pulled a muscle. they became good friends. he said, _ pulled a muscle. they became good friends. he said, i— pulled a muscle. they became good friends. he said, i need _ pulled a muscle. they became good friends. he said, i need somewherej friends. he said, i need somewhere to ark friends. he said, i need somewhere to park my — friends. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike- — friends. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike. but _ friends. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike. but others, - to park my bike. but others, especially — to park my bike. but others, especially some _ to park my bike. but others, especially some women - to park my bike. but others, | especially some women were to park my bike. but others, - especially some women were less comfortable in his company. [30 especially some women were less comfortable in his company. do you find in fact that _ comfortable in his company. do you find in fact that war _ comfortable in his company. do you find in fact that war could _ comfortable in his company. do you find in fact that war could be - comfortable in his company. do you find in fact that war could be best i find in fact that war could be best described as your equipment in fact hinders you in that pursuit? you are wary of journalist, hinders you in that pursuit? you are wary ofjournalist, does it give you an insight into what they are up to?

now that i am wary of them... you now that i am wary of them. .. you are wary of— now that i am wary of them. .. you are wary of me _ now that i am wary of them. .. you are wary of me and _ now that i am wary of them... ym. are wary of me and the interview, you don't i being interview, you can see it in the way you sit on the way you sit and where you are. true. in other words, you sit and where you are. true. in otherwords, if you sit and where you are. true. in other words, if you were me what would you do now?— other words, if you were me what would you do now?_ inj other words, if you were me what - would you do now?_ in the would you do now? wrap it up. in the 80s he was — would you do now? wrap it up. in the 80s he was briefly _ would you do now? wrap it up. in the 80s he was briefly part _ would you do now? wrap it up. in the 80s he was briefly part of— would you do now? wrap it up. in the 80s he was briefly part of the - 80s he was briefly part of the ill—fated gang of five and launched itb's ill—fated gang of five and launched itb�*s new breakfast programme before returning to the bbc. to present desert island discs and a programme on radio two. and then reviving the parkinson show. he on radio two. and then reviving the parkinson show.— parkinson show. he is a practising homeopath- _ parkinson show. he is a practising homeopath. there _ parkinson show. he is a practising homeopath. there were _ parkinson show. he is a practising homeopath. there were momentsj parkinson show. he is a practising - homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust — homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust one _ homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust one of— homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust one of many _ homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust one of many chapters - homeopath. there were moments but it was nowjust one of many chapters on i was nowjust one of many chapters on an interview circuit. i am was nowjust one of many chapters on an interview circuit.— an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that _ an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that is _ an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that is what _ an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that is what he _ an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that is what he said - an interview circuit. i am pretty sure that is what he said he - an interview circuit. i am pretty i sure that is what he said he was. for everyone seemed to have something to say. well done. off screen he loved his cricket, always a proud yorkshireman. {line

screen he loved his cricket, always a proud yorkshireman.— screen he loved his cricket, always a proud yorkshireman. one day there was research — a proud yorkshireman. one day there was research into _ a proud yorkshireman. one day there was research into the _ a proud yorkshireman. one day there was research into the benefit - a proud yorkshireman. one day there was research into the benefit of- was research into the benefit of this magnificent food, so food for yorkshireman. find this magnificent food, so food for yorkshireman.— this magnificent food, so food for yorkshireman. �* ., ., , yorkshireman. and at the end it was his father's — yorkshireman. and at the end it was his father's very _ yorkshireman. and at the end it was his father's very yorkshire _ yorkshireman. and at the end it was his father's very yorkshire judgment | his father's very yorkshire judgment that came to mind. just his father's very yorkshire 'udgment that came to mindh that came to mind. just before he died he said _ that came to mind. just before he died he said to _ that came to mind. just before he died he said to me, _ that came to mind. just before he died he said to me, you _ that came to mind. just before he died he said to me, you have - that came to mind. just before he | died he said to me, you have done well and it's some big stars. i said, i have. he said he made a bob or two without breaking sweat. i admitted that was also true. good lad he said, but think on, it's not like playing for yorkshire, is it? once or twice he got pretty damn close. good night. sirtim sir tim davey said he was the king of the chat show and define the format for all the presenters and shows that follow. he interviewed

the bi est shows that follow. he interviewed the biggest stars _ shows that follow. he interviewed the biggest stars of _ shows that follow. he interviewed the biggest stars of the _ shows that follow. he interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th - the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in the way that enthralled the public. michael was not only brilliant and asking questions, but he was also a wonderful listener. michael was truly one—of—a—kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed. that is a statement from the director—general of the bbc. let's talk to our reporter in the newsroom. there has already been of reaction to the sad news, hasn't it?— already been of reaction to the sad news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media, news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media. that — news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media. that is _ news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media, that is where _ news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media, that is where people - news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media, that is where people go - news, hasn't it? has, yes. on social media, that is where people go to i media, that is where people go to these days first. people have been leaving their tribute to sir michael parkinson, calling him a national treasure. a tv legend, king of the chat show. those tributes will continue to come in today in their

numbers and sir michael parkinson was really king of the chat show before the likes of netflix, before the range of channels where people would tune in for the big interview of the day. we have seen some of the huge interviews that he carried out from the likes of muhammad ali, meg ryan, david beckham and posh spice. this was a chance for somebody at home to get close and are personal to celebrities and notable figures. his style was he was a straight talker, he was a yorkshireman. he didn't shy away from particular questions. if i pick up on the meg ryan interview. it was seen as controversial and his use of women were seen as controversial and he was a straight talker. asking on it he reflected on the interview and he said he wished that he hadn't lost his temper, as he put it, with meg

ryan. in this interview he accused her of not being very happy with fame and you could see how frosty she was taught, saying if she was him she would wrap up the interview. he was well used to the fact that with celebrities and big public figures sometimes interviews are difficult, so he was a master of that, but even he came up against people where it was difficult to interview them and to say the right thing and sometimes those interviews perhaps for the better in terms of somebody watching became awkward and those awkward moments are sometimes what makes interviews legendary. the family have released a brief statement. after a brief illness are michael parkinson passed away at home last night in the company of his family. the family requests they are given privacy and time to

grieve. his career spanned seven decades and it really was before the likes of all the range of channels we have today so we have so many, netflix, amazon and all sorts of different ones, where we can tune into what we want. but he was such a big name because he got the big names onto his show and he wasn't worried about shying away from the big questions. 2000 celebrities, more than 2000 celebrities and notable figures he interviewed. as i say, many tributes coming into sir michael and i say, many tributes coming into sir michaeland i am say, many tributes coming into sir michael and i am sure we will hear from the average viewer, people at home and also no doubt notable figures across the world will be wanting to give their views and their memories of sir michael parkinson who has died. you their memories of sir michael parkinson who has died. you said we will be seeing _ parkinson who has died. you said we will be seeing more _ parkinson who has died. you said we will be seeing more and _ parkinson who has died. you said we will be seeing more and more - parkinson who has died. you said we | will be seeing more and more people coming through, most people take to social media. just read a couple.

the comedian eddie izzard has called michael parkinson the king of the intelligent interview. nick robinson described him as the greatest interview of our age who owned saturday night television. that was part of his age, he was such a good interviewer. he listened, he didn't only ask the questions, and at heart he was a journalist as well. yes. he was a journalist as well. yes, absolutely- _ he was a journalist as well. yes, absolutely. such _ he was a journalist as well. yes, absolutely. such an _ he was a journalist as well. yes, absolutely. such an impressive i absolutely. such an impressive career. across television he was a journalist and he was an author as well. he knew how to deal with people. i think he was seen as a person who understood different characters and he had such experience. if we are talking about seven decades, in terms of interviewing people he knew that some people would be difficult, but it also shows that some people you can't get around. if somebody in terms of a big celebrity doesn't

want to speak to you in terms of a hollywood star, then there are those moments where they won't answer your questions. even somebody as experienced as him and as good at dealing with people, he did come up against some challenges and he has spoken about those and it is interesting to hear him say that he struggled with some people. itrier? struggled with some people. very interesting- _ struggled with some people. very interesting. thank _ struggled with some people. very interesting. thank you very much from our newsroom, louisa. so many of those interviews are famous across the world. let's look back at some of his best loved interviews. we are not all bad but americans are still dropping bombs. then hiroshima they dropped a bomb. in korea they weren't bad but they still dropped a bomb. so if i am going to forget the 400 years of killing and i am going to look at two or see why people who are trying to do right and don't see

the other million trying to kill me? i would love to. i have never in my lifem _ i would love to. i have never in my life... ., , i would love to. i have never in my life- - -_ wouldl life... those are exquisite. would ou like life... those are exquisite. would you like to _ life... those are exquisite. would you like to touch _ life... those are exquisite. would you like to touch them? - life... those are exquisite. would you like to touch them? could - life... those are exquisite. would you like to touch them? could i? | life... those are exquisite. would . you like to touch them? could i? oh! you have _ you like to touch them? could i? oh! you have made a woman pick happy. do you have made a woman pick happy. dy: you find you have made a woman pick happy. you find your you have made a woman pick happy. drr you find your figure, your physical attributes that people are always going on about, hinder you in your pursuit of the ambition of being a success actress.— success actress. with a serious actress you _ success actress. with a serious actress you can't _ success actress. with a serious actress you can't have - success actress. with a serious actress you can't have big - success actress. with a serious - actress you can't have big bosoms. i call him golden balls now. because nowm _ call him golden balls now. because now... , call him golden balls now. because now... m ., �*, .,

now... golden balls beckham. it's a aood now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one. — now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one. that _ now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one, that one, _ now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one, that one, isn't _ now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one, that one, isn't it? - now... golden balls beckham. it's a good one, that one, isn't it? this i good one, that one, isn't it? this it is a kind _ good one, that one, isn't it? this it is a kind of _ good one, that one, isn't it? this it is a kind of thing _ good one, that one, isn't it? this it is a kind of thing i _ good one, that one, isn't it? this it is a kind of thing i shouldn't have — it is a kind of thing i shouldn't have said. _ it is a kind of thing i shouldn't have said, but... _ applause. silly bloody bird.

we will bring you more tributes to michael parkinson in the coming hours. more now on a—level results day. it's the moment thousands of teenagers in england, wales and northern ireland find out the results of their examinations. students' results will determine whether they'll go to university, or an apprenticeship or training course. this year, the proportion of top a, or a* grade results is down after a rise following the covid pandemic. earlier we heard from education sectretary, gillian keegan, who explained how this year's a—levels have been graded fairly, despite students having missed out on taking gcses because of the pandemic. you can't compare them to last year all the two years previous. what we are comparing them to is 2019, because that is the same grading system. but in terms of a level playing field for all the cohort taking exams this year, then, yes, definitely. because exams are the fairest way, everybody sits in the same place, with the same content, with the same conditions having

to do the same exam. but before we go into this, we have to just congratulate this cohort. because they have been through such a lot, they've shown massive resilience and they've taken their exams, they've really stepped up to the plate and you know, they are going to do great because they will have access to as many opportunities, if not more, than ever. our reporter nicky schiller is at a college in leeds. there have been celebrations. i have seen people opening their envelopes and they grab the envelope from the staff who are here and then some

people have been opening them there and then. others, like i did in my day, disappearand and then. others, like i did in my day, disappear and opened them in private. but there have been celebrations. you wouldn't want to open your results live on television, so we haven't done that to any of the students but i am joined by three students who got their results. did you get any sleep last night? no. ok. their results. did you get any sleep last night? no— their results. did you get any sleep last night? no. ok, you have done a levels, last night? no. ok, you have done a levels. what — last night? no. ok, you have done a levels, what were _ last night? no. ok, you have done a levels, what were your _ last night? no. ok, you have done a levels, what were your subjects - last night? no. ok, you have done a levels, what were your subjects and | levels, what were your subjects and did you get the results you wanted? politics, history and sociology and yes, i got what i wanted, i exceeded it. . ., , ., yes, i got what i wanted, i exceeded it. . ., ~ yes, i got what i wanted, i exceeded it. . . ~ yes, i got what i wanted, i exceeded it. ~ . ~ | ot yes, i got what i wanted, i exceeded it-_ i got two i it. what did you get a"? i got two a! it. what did you get a"? i got two a" and it. what did you get a"? i got two a“ and the _ it. what did you get a"? i got two a“ and the a- _ it. what did you get a"? i got two a" and the a. i'm _ it. what did you get a"? i got two a" and the a. i'm going _ it. what did you get a"? i got two a" and the a. i'm going to - a*and the a. i'm going to manchester to study law. you a" and the a. i'm going to manchester to study law. you are the first students — manchester to study law. you are the first students who _ manchester to study law. you are the first students who have _ manchester to study law. you are the first students who have sat _ manchester to study law. you are the first students who have sat an - manchester to study law. you are the first students who have sat an exam i first students who have sat an exam properly since covid, because your gcses were assessed by teachers, how has that been? it gcses were assessed by teachers, how has that been?— has that been? it has been weird, but after the _ has that been? it has been weird, but after the first _ has that been? it has been weird, but after the first exam _ has that been? it has been weird, but after the first exam i -

has that been? it has been weird, but after the first exam i got - has that been? it has been weird, j but after the first exam i got used to the flow of it and with the mocks and stuff like that, practice makes perfect. while we haven't sat any exams, it was a different level. but after the first exam, i got used to the idea i was sitting a—levels. after a couple, yes. congratulations. it is notjust a—levels, it is also t—levels. they're quite new, what do you do? you do a six month placement, i did it in my— you do a six month placement, i did it in my second year and you do practical— it in my second year and you do practical exams, one written exam and the _ practical exams, one written exam and the rest of videos and practical. and the rest of videos and practical-— and the rest of videos and ractical. ., ., , ., practical. you went into summer, a nursin: practical. you went into summer, a nursing home? _ practical. you went into summer, a nursing home? yes. _ practical. you went into summer, a nursing home? yes. how— practical. you went into summer, a nursing home? yes. how long - practical. you went into summer, a nursing home? yes. how long did i practical. you went into summer, a i nursing home? yes. how long did you send the nursing home? yes. how long did you spend the each week? two _ nursing home? yes. how long did you spend the each week? two days - nursing home? yes. how long did you spend the each week? two days a - nursing home? yes. how long did you i spend the each week? two days a week for six months- — spend the each week? two days a week for six months. did _ spend the each week? two days a week for six months. did you _ spend the each week? two days a week for six months. did you get _ spend the each week? two days a week for six months. did you get the - for six months. did you get the results you _ for six months. did you get the results you wanted? _

for six months. did you get the results you wanted? yes, - for six months. did you get the| results you wanted? yes, more for six months. did you get the - results you wanted? yes, more than. i'm doinu results you wanted? yes, more than. i'm doing a — results you wanted? yes, more than. i'm doing a trainee _ results you wanted? yes, more than. i'm doing a trainee nursing _ i'm doing a trainee nursing associate _ i'm doing a trainee nursing associate apprenticeship, between a few different hospitals in leeds. you decided not to go to university? you decided not to go to university? you also did a t—levels, what was yours in childcare and education. i did my placement in a nursery in leads _ did my placement in a nursery in leeds. , , ., , , did my placement in a nursery in leeds. , , , leeds. did you get the results you wanted? i did. _ leeds. did you get the results you wanted? i did, yes. _ leeds. did you get the results you wanted? i did, yes. it— leeds. did you get the results you wanted? i did, yes. it is— leeds. did you get the results you wanted? i did, yes. it is the - wanted? i did, yes. it is the equivalent of three a—levels, isn't it? you are taking a different path from jessica?— from jessica? yes, i am going to university _ from jessica? yes, i am going to university in _ from jessica? yes, i am going to university in september - from jessica? yes, i am going to university in september to - from jessica? yes, i am going to university in september to do . university in september to do primary— university in september to do primary education— university in september to do primary education in - university in september to do primary education in the - university in september to do| primary education in the hope university in september to do. primary education in the hope i university in september to do- primary education in the hope i will be a primary education in the hope i will he a reception _ primary education in the hope i will be a reception teacher— primary education in the hope i will be a reception teacher in _ primary education in the hope i will be a reception teacher in a - primary education in the hope i will be a reception teacher in a few - be a reception teacher in a few years — be a reception teacher in a few years time _ be a reception teacher in a few years' time-— be a reception teacher in a few ears' time. �* i. ., ., years' time. are you worried about the cost of — years' time. are you worried about the cost of living _ years' time. are you worried about the cost of living and _ years' time. are you worried about the cost of living and paying - years' time. are you worried about the cost of living and paying for . the cost of living and paying for that? i the cost of living and paying for that? ., , , , , ., ., that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself— that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a _ that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a job _ that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a job and _ that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a job and then - that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a job and then i - that? iwas, slightly but i managed to find myself a job and then i can l to find myself a job and then i can transfer— to find myself a job and then i can transfer my— to find myself a job and then i can transfer myioh _ to find myself a job and then i can transfer myjob but _ to find myself a job and then i can transfer myjob but it— to find myself a job and then i can transfer myjob but it was - to find myself a job and then i can i transfer myjob but it was something that was— transfer myjob but it was something that was a _ transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry _ transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry in _ transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry in the _ transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry in the back- transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry in the back of- transfer myjob but it was something that was a worry in the back of my i that was a worry in the back of my mind _ that was a worry in the back of my mind. ., ., ., ., , ,., that was a worry in the back of my mind. ., ., ., ., , i. ,

mind. congratulations, will you be celebrating _ mind. congratulations, will you be celebrating tonight? _ mind. congratulations, will you be celebrating tonight? definitely. i celebrating tonight? definitely. thought you might. what happens if you don't get the results you want, the staff at leeds sixth form had been working hard to try and help those students and if you come with me down here, there is a whole host of staff who are here to offer advice to those who may not have got the results they wanted, or indeed got better results. this is the executive curriculum lead at leeds city college. first of all, all of the students have done well? istate city college. first of all, all of the students have done well? we are deliahted the students have done well? we are delighted with _ the students have done well? we are delighted with the _ the students have done well? we are delighted with the results _ the students have done well? we are delighted with the results today, - delighted with the results today, because a—levels, t—levels and btec qualifications. istate because a-levels, t-levels and btec qualifications-— qualifications. we have been talking about how this _ qualifications. we have been talking about how this group _ qualifications. we have been talking about how this group of— qualifications. we have been talking about how this group of a-level - about how this group of a—level students are the first to sit exams since covid, because the gcses where teacher assessed. since covid, because the gcses where teacherassessed. how since covid, because the gcses where teacher assessed. how has that been for you as a teaching staff and the students? ., . , ., , ., students? the teaching staff have worked hard _ students? the teaching staff have worked hard to _ students? the teaching staff have worked hard to best _ students? the teaching staff have worked hard to best prepare - students? the teaching staff have worked hard to best prepare their| worked hard to best prepare their students for what is a little bit of a shock. it is year six since they

last sat formal exams, so sat they sat at the end of primary school. a lot has gone on in preparing them, mock exams and exam conditions, but it is always difficult for those students. we have been able to use the covid relief funding to put in extra classes and relief sources to support the students. the students have done a tremendous job in preparing themselves for what can be a stressful situation.— a stressful situation. thank you very much- _ a stressful situation. thank you very much- if— a stressful situation. thank you very much. if you _ a stressful situation. thank you very much. if you are _ a stressful situation. thank you very much. if you are in - a stressful situation. thank you very much. if you are in the - very much. if you are in the situation, there is lots of help and advice and a live page running on the bbc news website at the moment had lots of useful information about next steps if you have got your exam results today. wonderful, thank you and thank you especially to those students who have shared their stories. it is good to hear some success stories out there. let's talk to city of liverpool college students ajay branscombe and lucy cavanagh.

first of all, is it good news for you both? thanks forjoining us. let's talk through your results, what did you get and is it what you are hoping for? i think they are on mute. technology at its finest. ok, we will leave them and try and come back to them. talking about clearing and the situation, lots of students are finding themselves in. our correspondent navtej johal is at the ucas hq in cheltenham. iimagine it i imagine it is very busy where you are, people like myself, many many years ago had to go through that clearing process. talk me through

what happens when you are? absolutely. it is a high of activity, as you would expect. it has been since eight o'clock this morning when the lines opened and the people behind me on phone calls and queries have been working incredibly hard since the lines opened at eight o'clock. this is the nerve centre for so many students' hopes, dreams and ambitions. it is where they come if they haven't perhaps got the results they were expecting to go through clearing. some have done much better and are now reassessing their options. but this morning, the most popular type of phone call these handlers have been dealing with has been students calling them up and asking, have i actually got a place at university? can i confirm that? they have been providing that reassurance and it is one of the nicest parts of their job, to reassure students that you have indeed got the results. there

are 28,000 courses available in clearing, lots of options, lots of choices for students to have a look at. last year more than 30,000 students got a place at university through this clearing process. we have had some figures in the last couple of hours which talk about the results and 79% of students have gained a place in theirfirst results and 79% of students have gained a place in their first choice of university or college. that is a couple of percentage point below last year but 5% higher than pre—pandemic in 2019. there has also been a slight drop in the number of students achieving the top grade compared to last year, which is higher than pre—pandemic. let's talk about those results with the chief executive of ucas. thank you for speaking to us. let's speak about the overall picture of those results, so more students going to theirfirst choice results, so more students going to their first choice university than pre—pandemic. does that suggest universities are being a little bit lenient, bearing the pandemic and

the disruption that caused? h0. lenient, bearing the pandemic and the disruption that caused?- the disruption that caused? no, it means universities _ the disruption that caused? no, it means universities and _ the disruption that caused? no, it means universities and colleges, l means universities and colleges, have _ means universities and colleges, have known what was happening in each of _ have known what was happening in each of the — have known what was happening in each of the individual countries, england. — each of the individual countries, england, wales, northern ireland and scotland _ england, wales, northern ireland and scotland and they are making offers to their _ scotland and they are making offers to their students on the basis of knowing — to their students on the basis of knowing what grading is returning to. knowing what grading is returning to and _ knowing what grading is returning to. and congratulations to 79% of the young — to. and congratulations to 79% of the young people waking up and going to their— the young people waking up and going to their first choice. i'm sure they are out— to their first choice. i'm sure they are out celebrating already. 98% have _ are out celebrating already. 98% have opened the e—mail they have got this morning and are very aware of where _ this morning and are very aware of where they— this morning and are very aware of where they are going. part of the role is _ where they are going. part of the role is to— where they are going. part of the role is to support those who have changed — role is to support those who have changed their mind, as you said. talk— changed their mind, as you said. talk to— changed their mind, as you said. talk to us— changed their mind, as you said. talk to us what the call handlers have been dealing with so far this morning about some of the calls they have received? istate morning about some of the calls they have received?— morning about some of the calls they have received? we have call handlers and volunteers _ have received? we have call handlers and volunteers across _ have received? we have call handlers and volunteers across the _ have received? we have call handlers and volunteers across the business. i and volunteers across the business. very, _ and volunteers across the business. very, very— and volunteers across the business. very, very busy, as many universities are. they will be dealing — universities are. they will be dealing with people who are saying, really? _ dealing with people who are saying, really? am — dealing with people who are saying, really? am i really going. actually, some _ really? am i really going. actually, some might say i am taking a year out. some might say i am taking a year out some — some might say i am taking a year out. some might also say, i haven't

-ot out. some might also say, i haven't got in. _ out. some might also say, i haven't got in. can— out. some might also say, i haven't got in. can i— out. some might also say, i haven't got in, can i go foran apprenticeship, and there is a whole set of— apprenticeship, and there is a whole set of options. i would encourage young _ set of options. i would encourage young people and the parents, it is about— young people and the parents, it is about the _ young people and the parents, it is about the right choice for you and how you — about the right choice for you and how you spend the next three or four years _ how you spend the next three or four ears. , , y ., ~ , how you spend the next three or four ears. ., years. give us your key piece of advice to _ years. give us your key piece of advice to students _ years. give us your key piece of advice to students and - years. give us your key piece of advice to students and parents, years. give us your key piece of- advice to students and parents, who are watching this at home? mr; advice to students and parents, who are watching this at home?- are watching this at home? my key advice, if are watching this at home? my key advice. if you _ are watching this at home? my key advice, if you haven't _ are watching this at home? my key advice, if you haven't done - are watching this at home? my key advice, if you haven't done any - advice, if you haven't done any research — advice, if you haven't done any research so _ advice, if you haven't done any research so far and i hope some of you have, — research so far and i hope some of you have, do — research so far and i hope some of you have, do some research and think. _ you have, do some research and think. what— you have, do some research and think, what am i going to enjoy studying? — think, what am i going to enjoy studying? what will make me happy? we know— studying? what will make me happy? we know if— studying? what will make me happy? we know if you're happy and enjoying what you _ we know if you're happy and enjoying what you are studying and enjoying the apprenticeship, you are likely to get— the apprenticeship, you are likely to get a _ the apprenticeship, you are likely to get a good outcome. if it is a selective — to get a good outcome. if it is a selective course, later this afternoon be pretty quick off the mark _ afternoon be pretty quick off the mark. , w' , afternoon be pretty quick off the mark. , w , ., ., afternoon be pretty quick off the mark. , , ., ., ~ mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, wh is it mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, why is it a — mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, why is it a pinch — mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, why is it a pinch point? _ mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, why is it a pinch point? at- mark. very quickly, at one o'clock, why is it a pinch point? at that - why is it a pinch point? at that oint, if why is it a pinch point? at that point. if you — why is it a pinch point? at that point, if you want _ why is it a pinch point? at that point, if you want a _ why is it a pinch point? at that point, if you want a clearing i point, if you want a clearing choice. _ point, if you want a clearing choice, you can have it, that is why one o'clock— choice, you can have it, that is why one o'clock is — choice, you can have it, that is why one o'clock is important. one o'clock is _ one o'clock is important. one o'clock is when _ one o'clock is important. one o'clock is when you _ one o'clock is important. one o'clock is when you can - one o'clock is important. iaz o'clock is when you can add that choice to clearing, it is a key point in the day if you are getting your results and if you are going

through the clearing process. one piece of advice, remain positive and patient. back goes for students and their parents. patient. back goes for students and their parents-— patient. back goes for students and their parents. thank you very much. lots of important _ their parents. thank you very much. lots of important information - their parents. thank you very much. lots of important information if - their parents. thank you very much. lots of important information if you | lots of important information if you are heading to the clearing process. a reminder of our breaking news. sir michael parkinson, the veteran broadcaster considered the king of british chat show hosts, has died aged 88, his family has told the bbc. a statement from sir michael's family said, "after a brief illness sir michael parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. the family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve." the chat show host interviewed some of hollywood's biggest names throughout his illustrious career, with names such asjimmy cagney, fred astaire, lauren bacall and ingrid bergmann on the list. sir michael became a familiar face on both the bbc and itv

because of his intimate celebrity interviews, most notably on the bbc show parkinson. parkinson first aired on the bbc onjune191971 and enjoyed a successful run until 1982. in 1998, the chat show was revived on the bbc and proved an instant hit. hello. if you have an allergy to pollen, today's levels across england and wales are high. high pressure is in charge of our weather at the moment so things are settled. you can see from the squeeze in the isobars it will be breezy through the day and later we have this weather front

bringing in some rain. the forecast, as we go through the rest of the afternoon is one of sunny spells, areas of cloud at times and an isolated chance of a shower in the south—west, maybe a few getting in across the north—east of scotland. it will be fresher across the north sea coastline than it is going to be across central and western areas, where the temperatures will be high and we could hit 27 degrees in hampshire. this evening, sunshine before later on the cloud thickens towards the west, heralding the arrival of the first weather front bringing in some showery, outbreaks of rain. heavy at times with the odd rumble of thunder. it will be humid with the wind picking up off the coast of wales. tomorrow, wind across the north—west of wales with gusts up to 60 miles an hour. the north of scotland hanging onto some sunshine. quite a bit of cloud around and later the next band of heavy, thundery rain comes into the south—west. it will feel humid across southern areas tomorrow but in the sunshine, in the north of scotland,

it will feel quite pleasant. overnight friday into saturday it will be a very warm night and on saturday, this weather front pushes further north, taking its heavy rain with it and here in the north of scotland, it is going to be windy. move further south it is a mixture of sunshine and showers and a lot of the showers will be in western areas. the further south and east you travel, the better chance you have staying dry and it will feel fresher on saturday than it is going to do on friday. we lose the humidity. into sunday, low pressure is anchored to the north—west, so areas close to the north—west will see the showers. which could see a few getting into north—west wales and into the south—west as well as north—west england. further east, it is likely to be drier and temperatures getting into the mid 20s at best. as we head into the next couple of days, again for many away from the north—west, where we hang onto some showers, showers, it should be dry with some sunny spells.

live from london. this is bbc news tributes are paid to the chat show legend sir michael parkinson, who has died aged 88. more than 60 migrants are feared dead — after their boat is found drifting off cape verde in west africa. a—level results day arrives — the moment thousands of students find out their examinations grades in england, wales and northern ireland. the names of the first victims

of maui's wildfires have been released ahead ofjoe biden's visit to hawaii next week. hello and welcome to the programme. we start with breaking news here in the uk — where tributes have been paid to the tv talk show host and journalist sir michael parkinson. in a statement, his family said he died peacefully at home. he was 88. sir michael interviewed hundreds of the world's top stars of entertainment and sport — including muhamed ali, orson wells and fred astair. the bbc director general tim davie called him "the king of the chat show". david sillito looks back at his life. don't you get fed up of each other? oh, yes, yes. i call him golden- balls, you know, now. did you ever say, "you dirty rat?" never.

jimmy cagney. orson welles. jimmy stewart.