Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons has missed his first edition of the long-running Radio 4 show in 50 years.

The 94-year-old presenter is fine and will be back in two weeks, but last night Gyles Brandreth stood in for him. 

There was an announcement at the start of the show, but for anxious listeners who missed it the BBC's Head of Radio Comedy Julia McKenzie tweeted: "Just to reassure those listening to the very unexpected Just a Minute on @BBCRadio4 at the moment - the apocalypse is not upon us - @GylesB1 kindly stepped in to give Nicholas Parsons a couple of days off. NP is totally fine and is still the guvnor as per the last 50 years." 

Gyles Brandreth added: "An honour (If daunting) standing in for the irreplaceable Nicholas Parsons tonight. Happily he’s back in a fortnight!"