On leaving school, Nicholas Parsons completed an engineering apprenticeship at Glasgow University. He then travelled to London with the ambition of becoming a full time professional actor. In 1952 he obtained parts in various productions and tried his hand at cabaret and comedy before joining the BBC drama repertory company (specialising in dialect and character roles).

He has appeared in many television programmes and was for ten years the straight man in the famous television partnership with the late Arthur Haynes. He has made guest appearances on numerous comedy and panel game shows but is probably best known for being the host of Sale of the Century which ran for over fourteen years. He recently moved back into the public television domain after agreeing to host Richard O'Brien's 21st year celebration of The Rocky Horror Show.

Nicholas is also the chairman of BBC Radio 4's Just a Minute, which has been on the air for 35 years. He received the Variety Club Award in 1967 as Radio Personality of the Year for the satirical programme Listen to this Space. In 1982 Nicholas starred in the radio play especially written for him entitled A High Pitched Squeak.

Moreover, Nicholas has starred in numerous films, including Don't Raise the Bridge Lower the River with Jerry Lewis and Spy Story.

Having written for, appeared with and hosted over some of the finest comedians and after dinner speakers, Nicholas performs a truly polished but uproarious speech.