Alan Whicker dies aged 87

English comedian and television presenter Michael Palin has told ITV News that broadcaster Alan Whicker had his 'reservations' over a parody he did of him for Monty Python. Palin added that he admired the broadcaster, who died aged 87 today.

Read more: Veteran broadcaster Alan Whicker dies aged 87

Veteran broadcaster Alan Whicker's contribution to British broadcasting is "immeasurable", former ITV and BBC chairman Michael Grade said today.

Mr Grade said:

Broadcaster Alan Whicker was known for his global travels during a distinguished TV career which stretched nearly 60 years. Here's a look back at his rise to fame:

• Alan Donald Whicker was born in Cairo, Egypt, on August 2 1925
• He moved to England as a young child after the death of his father
• He attended Haberdashers' Aske's School
• Whicker was was commissioned as an officer in the Devonshire Regiment during the Second World War, serving as a captain

• After the war he became a journalist and broadcaster, acting as a newspaper correspondent in the Korean War
• He joined the BBC in 1957 and was a reporter for the Tonight programme

• He was probably best known for Whicker's World, his long-running documentary programme which he presented from 1959 to 1990
• Whicker was awarded a CBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list for services to broadcasting

Alan Whicker, who was probably best known for his Whicker's World TV series which he presented from 1959 to 1990, died at home in Jersey.

Alan Whicker's partner, Valerie Kleeman, said, "He had a wonderful life and I was lucky to have shared it with him".

Ms Kleeman continued: "A few years ago a poll asked who was the most envied man in the country - and Alan won by a country mile!

"He said that he didn't know where work ended and private life began. Quoting Noel Coward, he would say 'work is more fun than fun'.

"On this last journey he will arrive curious, fascinated, and ready for a new adventure".

Michael Palin has described Alan Whicker as "a great character, a great traveller and an excellent reporter".

Palin, who has taken up the mantle of travel documentary filmmaker from Whicker, added, "He was absolutely at the top of his game in front of the camera”.

Alan Whicker's most famous TV series was Whicker's World, which he presented for a little over three decades.

These documentaries famously brought a glimpse of lifestyles across the globe.

In this classic clip, Whicker takes a look at the music scene in San Francisco: