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'it was good television'

Sir Michael Parkinson vows he will NEVER apologise to Dame Helen Mirren for sexist jibes he made when she was his TV guest

SIR Michael Parkinson has vowed he will never apologise to Dame Helen Mirren for an interview with her that caused a sexism row.

The ex-chat show king declared 40 years after the notorious show that it was just “good television”.

In 1975 he introduced Mirren as the 'sex queen' of the Royal Shakespeare Company
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In 1975 he introduced Mirren as the 'sex queen' of the Royal Shakespeare CompanyCredit: Splash News

In 1975 he introduced the then rising star as the “sex queen” of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Parky, now 81, also spoke of her “slutty eroticism” — and asked if her “equipment” barred her from being taken seriously as an actress.

When she asked what he meant he looked her up and down and said “your figure”. She hit back: “Serious actresses can’t have big ­bosoms — is that what you mean?”

Parky, now 81, also spoke of her “slutty eroticism” — and asked if her 'equipment' barred her from being taken seriously
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Parky, now 81, also spoke of her 'slutty eroticism' — and asked if her 'equipment' barred her from being taken seriouslyCredit: Splash News
When she asked what he meant he looked her up and down and said 'your figure'
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When she asked what he meant he looked her up and down and said 'your figure'Credit: Splash News
The veteran broadcaster revealed that he and Dame Helen, now 71, have never ­buried the hatchet
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The veteran broadcaster revealed that he and Dame Helen, now 71, have never buried the hatchetCredit: PA:Press Association

The veteran broadcaster revealed that he and Dame Helen, now 71, have never ­buried the hatchet.

He said: “I don’t want to. Nor does she.

“I don’t regard what happened there as being anything other than good television.

“There is no need to apologise, not at all.”

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