Nicholas Parsons, host of Radio 4’s Just A Minute, has missed his first recording of the comedy panel show in an incredible 50 years.

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Although the 94-year-old broadcaster has fronted over 900 episodes of the programme, he was replaced by regular panellist Gyles Brandreth in the lastest instalment.

And fans didn’t hesitate (or deviate) to post their concerns on Twitter…

But don’t worry: BBC's head of radio comedy Julia McKenzie tweeted that Parsons is "totally fine" and the "apocalypse is not upon us".

While introducing the show, Brandreth said: "After 50 years at the helm [he] quite rightly thinks he should be allowed a day off."

But despite taking a break from presenting, Parsons still listened to the show and, according to Brandreth, messaged his approval of the temporary host.

Although Parsons missed one recording date, he'll return to host the show in two weeks (Monday 18th June) as two episodes of the comedy are taped at a time.

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Just A Minute is broadcast on Radio 4 on Mondays at 6:30pm

Authors

Thomas LingDigital editor, BBC Science Focus

Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.

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