Emotional Jimmy Tarbuck fights back tears as he reveals final time he saw friend Michael Parkinson saying ‘I miss him’

EMOTIONAL Jimmy Tarbuck choked back tears as he heartbreakingly admitted he “misses” his great mate Michael Parkinson following his death.

The chat show king’s passing aged 88 was announced by his family yesterday.

Actor Michael Caine, singer Elton John and presenter Piers Morgan were among a host of famous faces sharing their memories of the much-loved TV star in a series of touching tributes.

Now Michael‘s close friend comedian Jimmy, 83 – who hailed his late pal a “giant of the industry” – has spoken out.

He told Friday’s Good Morning Britain of their close friendship and said: “He was a giant friend, a giant of a friend to me.”

Admitting he was “choking up” he had tears in his eyes as he told the ITV show: “I just miss him.”

Earlier in the chat, Jimmy revealed he saw Michael just last week, along with his son, Michael Parkinson Jnr.

Jimmy said he told his pal at the time: “I will go now that you’re tired,” to which Michael replied: “Do you want lunch next week?”

He replied and told how he said: “You arrange it and I will be there,” before sadly adding to the show: “Unfortunately I won’t.”

Jimmy hailed Michael a “giant” throughout the interview as well as praising his qualities as a “loyal man.”

He added: “Well Tina Turner said it, he was simply the best,” referring to the singer’s hit song.

During his career, chat show king Michael sat down with 2,000 celebrity guests after becoming a pioneer of the one-on-one interview format.

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.”