Michael Parkinson has announced he will quit his chat show after the next series to take a break and write his autobiography.

The veteran TV host will complete his final chat-show run on ITV this autumn and will then call time on a long career.

"After 25 years of doing my talk show I have decided that this forthcoming series will be my last," Parkinson said.

He said he will be taking the next year off to "write my autobiography" and consider "other television projects".

Parkinson left the BBC in 2004 and moved to ITV after scheduling issues which would have meant his show moving slots.

The next series of the chat show will be his seventh since joining ITV and will be his last.

He added: "My thanks go out to all those who have worked on the shows down the years and the viewers for their loyal support and occasional kind words."

Parkinson, known as 'Parky' to his band of fans, has interviewed an array of stars from Hollywood actors to sporting and musical legends.

The BBC's chat-show slot was filled by Jonathan Ross, and his Friday Night With show has won a number of awards.

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