Broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96 after a short illness, his agent has confirmed.

"Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January," said a statement issued by his agent Jean Diamond.

Parsons was surrounded by his family when he died in the early hours of Tuesday, a statement added.

His agent Jean Diamond said on behalf of his family: “Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January after a short illness at the age of 96.