of the tournament so far. good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news at one. the broadcaster sir michael parkinson has died at the age of 88. in a career spanning seven decades, he interviewed the world's biggest stars on his long—running tv chat show. the bbc�*s director general tim davie described sir michael as truly one of a kind, and �*the king of the chat show�*. our arts & media correspondent david sillito looks back at a long life and career. i call him golden balls now. jimmy caune , i call him golden balls now. jimmy cagney. orson _ i call him golden balls now. jimmy cagney, orson welles, _ i call him golden balls now. jimmy cagney, orson welles, jimmy - i call him golden balls now. jimmy - cagney, orson welles, jimmy stewart. these were distant, mysterious green gods until parkinson brought them into your living room. the gods until parkinson brought them into your living room.— into your living room. the fact is, ou are into your living room. the fact is, you are a — into your living room. the fact is, you are a crowd _ into your living room. the fact is, you are a crowd puller _ into your living room. the fact is, you are a crowd puller and - into your living room. the fact is, you are a crowd puller and fraseri into your living room. the fact is, l you are a crowd puller and fraser is not. , ., , , his not. number one, he is ugly. his interviews— not. number one, he is ugly. his interviews with _ not. number one, he is ugly. his interviews with muhammad - not. number one, he is ugly. his interviews with muhammad ali i not. number one, he is ugly. his i interviews with muhammad ali were unmissable. he interviews with muhammad ali were unmissable. . , interviews with muhammad ali were unmissable. ., , ., , interviews with muhammad ali were unmissable-— unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork, unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork. no _ unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork, no class. _ unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork, no class. he _ unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork, no class. he cannot - unmissable. he has no rhythm, no footwork, no class. he cannot talk| footwork, no class. he cannot talk and who _ footwork, no class. he cannot talk and who told him he could sing? but of all and who told him he could sing? of all those and who told him he could sing? bit of all those 2000 or so guests, one always haunted him. i am of all those 2000 or so guests, one always haunted him.— always haunted him. i am only remembered _ always haunted him. i am only remembered for _ always haunted him. i am only remembered for one _ always haunted him. i am only remembered for one thing, . always haunted him. i am only remembered for one thing, i l always haunted him. i am only i remembered for one thing, i was attacked by a salting emu. rad remembered for one thing, i was attacked by a salting emu. rod hull and emu rather _ attacked by a salting emu. rod hull and emu rather punctured - attacked by a salting emu. rod hull and emu rather punctured the - attacked by a salting emu. rod hull| and emu rather punctured the suave tv persona. of course, there was a much hollywood glamour in the childhood. this assumption, you were born into a mining family so you followed your dad's footsteps into the pit. his escape was journalism, which documented tv.— escape was journalism, which documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. _ documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. i _ documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. i hope _ documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. i hope i - documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. i hope i can - documented tv. then in 1971, the parkinson show. i hope i can get. parkinson show. i hope i can get away with _ parkinson show. i hope i can get away with this, _ parkinson show. i hope i can get away with this, it _ parkinson show. i hope i can get away with this, it is _ parkinson show. i hope i can get away with this, it is a _ parkinson show. i hope i can get away with this, it is a beauty. it| away with this, it is a beauty. [it was away with this, it is a beauty. was a away with this, it is a beauty. it was a programme that could transform a career. it was a programme that could transform a career. , . was a programme that could transform a career. ,.,, ,, was a programme that could transform a career. , . , ,, ., a career. it is a substitute for tattoos- _ a career. it is a substitute for tattoos. billy _ a career. it is a substitute for tattoos. billy connolly - a career. it is a substitute for i tattoos. billy connolly appeared a career. it is a substitute for - tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times. i tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times- i went _ tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times. i went to _ tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times. i went to a _ tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15 times. i went to a discotheque - tattoos. billy connolly appeared 15| times. i went to a discotheque and ulled a times. i went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle. _ times. i went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle. he _ times. i went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle. he became - times. i went to a discotheque and pulled a muscle. he became a - times. i went to a discotheque andl pulled a muscle. he became a good friend. he said, _ pulled a muscle. he became a good friend. he said, i— pulled a muscle. he became a good friend. he said, i need _ pulled a muscle. he became a good friend. he said, i need somewherel pulled a muscle. he became a good i friend. he said, i need somewhere to ark m friend. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike- — friend. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike- you — friend. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike. you are _ friend. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike. you are known - friend. he said, i need somewhere to park my bike. you are known better l park my bike. you are known better as bette davis. _ park my bike. you are known better as bette davis. for _ park my bike. you are known better as bette davis. for bette _ park my bike. you are known better as bette davis. for bette davis, - park my bike. you are known better as bette davis. for bette davis, it l as bette davis. for bette davis, it was almost _ as bette davis. for bette davis, it was almost a _ as bette davis. for bette davis, it was almost a standing _ as bette davis. for bette davis, it was almost a standing ovation - as bette davis. for bette davis, it was almost a standing ovation for| was almost a standing ovation for just being on the show. applause. thank you. applause. thank ou. , ., ., applause. thank ou. ., thank you. the programme could come in a moment — thank you. the programme could come in a moment swing _ thank you. the programme could come in a moment swing from _ thank you. the programme could come in a moment swing from highbrow- in a moment swing from highbrow debates to risk a flirtation. and occasionally, some of the questions may have discomfited the interviewee.— may have discomfited the interviewee. let's talk about nudi . interviewee. let's talk about nudity- do — interviewee. let's talk about nudity- do you _ interviewee. let's talk about nudity. do you find - interviewee. let's talk about nudity. do you find the - interviewee. let's talk about nudity. do you find the fact l interviewee. let's talk about. nudity. do you find the fact that what could be described as your equipment, perhaps hinders you in that pursuit. in other words, if you were me, what would you do now? just wra it u. were me, what would you do now? just wrap it up- it — were me, what would you do now? just wrap it up. it wasn't _ were me, what would you do now? just wrap it up. it wasn't about _ were me, what would you do now? just wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, - wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about — wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about who _ wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about who was _ wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about who was on. _ wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about who was on. he - wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, it was about who was on. he saw. wrap it up. it wasn't about michael, | it was about who was on. he saw his role as— it was about who was on. he saw his role as a _ it was about who was on. he saw his role as a journalist _ it was about who was on. he saw his role as a journalist to _ it was about who was on. he saw his role as a journalist to get _ it was about who was on. he saw his role as a journalist to get the - it was about who was on. he saw his role as a journalist to get the best. role as a journalist to get the best interview— role as a journalist to get the best interview he — role as a journalist to get the best interview he could. _ role as a journalist to get the best interview he could. in _ role as a journalist to get the best interview he could.— interview he could. in the 80s, he was briefly — interview he could. in the 80s, he was briefly part — interview he could. in the 80s, he was briefly part of _ interview he could. in the 80s, he was briefly part of the _ interview he could. in the 80s, he was briefly part of the ill-fated . was briefly part of the ill—fated gang of five and launched itv�*s new breakfast programme, before returning to the bbc. he breakfast programme, before returning to the bbc.- returning to the bbc. he is a practising — returning to the bbc. he is a practising homeopath, - returning to the bbc. he is a practising homeopath, as. returning to the bbc. he is a practising homeopath, as a i returning to the bbc. he is a - practising homeopath, as a matter of fact. ., , , ., , fact. there were moments, but it was now 'ust fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one — fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one of— fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one of many _ fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one of many chat _ fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one of many chat shows - fact. there were moments, but it was nowjust one of many chat shows on l nowjust one of many chat shows on an interview circuit... pretty sure... where everyone seemed to have something to sell. plea; have something to sell. play forward. off-screen, - have something to sell. play forward. off-screen, he- have something to sell. play. forward. off-screen, he loved have something to sell. play - forward. off-screen, he loved his cricket, always _ forward. off-screen, he loved his cricket, always a _ forward. off-screen, he loved his cricket, always a proud _ cricket, always a proud yorkshireman.- cricket, always a proud yorkshireman. ., cricket, always a proud yorkshireman. ._ ., , cricket, always a proud yorkshireman. ., , yorkshireman. one day there was some research into — yorkshireman. one day there was some research into the _ yorkshireman. one day there was some research into the benefit _ yorkshireman. one day there was some research into the benefit of _ yorkshireman. one day there was some research into the benefit of this - research into the benefit of this magnificent food. soulfulfor research into the benefit of this magnificent food. soulful for the yorkshireman. that magnificent food. soulful for the yorkshireman.— magnificent food. soulful for the yorkshireman. �* ., , , yorkshireman. at the end, it was his father's very — yorkshireman. at the end, it was his father's very yorkshire _ yorkshireman. at the end, it was his father's very yorkshire judgment - father's very yorkshire judgment that came to mind. just father's very yorkshire 'udgment that came to mind._ father's very yorkshire 'udgment that came to mind. just before he died, he said _ that came to mind. just before he died, he said to _ that came to mind. just before he died, he said to me, _ that came to mind. just before he died, he said to me, you - that came to mind. just before he died, he said to me, you have - that came to mind. just before he i died, he said to me, you have done well and met some big stars. i said, i have. he said you have made a bob or two without breaking sweat. good lad, but think on, it is not like playing for yorkshire, is it. it wasn't, but it was at times it got pretty damn close. good night. sir michael parkinson, who's died at the age of 88. and david sillitojoins me now. your thoughts on how he will be best remembered? what is extraordinary is, this show is 50 years ago and how many people have got a memory of a chat show all those years ago? maybe it is kenneth williams talking about the unions, maybe orson welles saying forget about the questions, let's just talk. the mohamed ali interview. he was promoting a soft drink and they asked him to come in for ten minutes and they devoted a whole hour to him, one of the most riveting hours of television you will watch. so much tv goes by and we remember nothing, these are moments. the fact was, it was about being informal, late—night open ended programme. it could go about talking about what it means to be human to bette midler talking about performing in a sauna. it required somebody who could make these leaps, who could react to something when the unexpected happens and you have to be a pretty impressive tv performer to make that work. . . , impressive tv performer to make that work. ., ., , ,, impressive tv performer to make that work. . ,, ~ . ., work. that was sir michael parkinson. _ work. that was sir michael parkinson. david, - work. that was sir michael parkinson. david, thank. work. that was sir michael i parkinson. david, thank you. and you can see a documentary tonight, looking back at sir michael parkinson's 50 years as a broadcaster. that's on bbc one at 9pm. hundreds of thousands of a—level students have received their results this morning, with the top grades, a star and a, falling — as part of a plan to get back to results awarded before the pandemic. overall the number of students receiving the top grades in england, wales and northern ireland were just over 27%, down from over 36% last year and only about 1% higher than before covid. and those awarded grades a star to c was 76% compared with 82% last year. the overall pass rate was also down, by about i% compared with last year, at 97.3%. that's slightly below before the pandemic and the lowest since 2008, despite wales and northern ireland still making allowances in their marking for the impact of covid. frances read has the details. for the students opening their exam results today, this has been a long road. having received teacher assets greats for their gcses in the pandemic. it greats for their gcses in the pandemic-— greats for their gcses in the andemic. . , ., . pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the _ pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the final _ pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the final year _ pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the final year to - pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the final year to not - pandemic. it was quite tough. we were at the final year to not give l were at the final year to not give formal exams, so it was quite a push, really. formal exams, so it was quite a push. really-— formal exams, so it was quite a push, really. there is a wider plan to brina push, really. there is a wider plan to bring grades — push, really. there is a wider plan to bring grades back _ push, really. there is a wider plan to bring grades back to _ push, really. there is a wider plan . to bring grades back to pre-pandemic to bring grades back to pre—pandemic levels after a spike of good results through 2020 and 2021. this year, the overall pass grade has dropped a percentage point from last year, standing atjust over 97%. but the drop in top grades is being felt more keenly in england, showing a disparity between the nations. top grades in england are only about i% grades in england are only about 1% higher than before the pandemic. unlike in wales and northern ireland, where they are still seven to 8% higher. but quual has reassured students there is protection built into the grading process even if they didn't perform as well in their exams. brute process even if they didn't perform as well in their exams.— as well in their exams. we worked hand-in-hand _ as well in their exams. we worked hand-in-hand with _ as well in their exams. we worked hand-in-hand with universities - as well in their exams. we worked i hand-in-hand with universities over hand—in—hand with universities over a two—year period, to make sure students would be treated fairly. universities are used to working with 700 different types of qualifications. they can absolutely cope with the differences in the devolved quality. it is celebrations for those who _ devolved quality. it is celebrations for those who did _ devolved quality. it is celebrations for those who did their— devolved quality. it is celebrations for those who did their btec- devolved quality. it is celebrations for those who did their btec and l for those who did their btec and also t—level, a relatively new qualification which gives entry to higher education in things like digital skills, higher education in things like digitalskills, health higher education in things like digital skills, health and construction. students in blackpool were among the 97% of t—level students who have received at least one university offer. more than half of 18—year—olds don't apply to university, but for those who do want to go, it is about ensuring they are not disadvantaged. the pandemic has widened the attainment gap for those on the lowest incomes in the uk. more than 16,500 students who had free school meals have been accepted into university, but ucas said the data proves that are huge challenges for the most disadvantaged students. we challenges for the most disadvantaged students. challenges for the most disadvantaued students. ~ ., �* , disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets _ disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets of _ disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets of 50% _ disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets of 50% go _ disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets of 50% go in - disadvantaged students. we don't set arbitrary targets of 50% go in and - arbitrary targets of 50% go in and seeking goes, we have been focused on making sure we have access to opportunity for those most disadvantaged. if opportunity for those most disadvantaged.— opportunity for those most disadvantaged. opportunity for those most disadvantaaed. , ., �* disadvantaged. if you didn't get the trades ou disadvantaged. if you didn't get the grades you want — disadvantaged. if you didn't get the grades you want or _ disadvantaged. if you didn't get the grades you want or need, _ disadvantaged. if you didn't get the grades you want or need, the - disadvantaged. if you didn't get the | grades you want or need, the advice is to speak to your university, they might still offer a course depending. and grades can be challenged, but there are 29,000 places available in clearing today, 3000 more than last year. the post pandemic a—level students of 2023, whatever their grades, have lived through something few others can imagine. francis reid, bbc news. for thousands of teenagers it was a sleepless night before they found out their exam results. our education correspondent elaine dunkley was with students from nelson and colne college in lancashire as they made that nervous trip to receive their grades. the walk to get results feels long, daunting and surreal. for friends sam, amira and jesse. last daunting and surreal. for friends sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept _ sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept and _ sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept and when _ sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept and when i _ sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept and when i came - sam, amira and jesse. last night i hardly slept and when i came into | hardly slept and when i came into couege hardly slept and when i came into college this morning, i had so many built—up emotions, anxious and nervous. i built-up emotions, anxious and nervous. �* ., ., ., .. , nervous. i didn't have to accept the best on the — nervous. i didn't have to accept the best on the worst. _ nervous. i didn't have to accept the best on the worst. these _ nervous. i didn't have to accept the best on the worst. these are - nervous. i didn't have to accept the best on the worst. these are the i best on the worst. these are the first formal _ best on the worst. these are the first formal exams _ best on the worst. these are the first formal exams after - best on the worst. these are the | first formal exams after receiving teacher assisted grades for their gcses. i teacher assisted grades for their gcses. ., ., ,., teacher assisted grades for their gcses. . ., ., . , gcses. i am about to cry. on the -a er, gcses. i am about to cry. on the paper. the _ gcses. i am about to cry. on the paper. the great _ gcses. i am about to cry. on the paper, the great jesse _ gcses. i am about to cry. on the paper, the great jesse needs - gcses. i am about to cry. on the paper, the great jesse needs to l paper, the greatjesse needs to pursue her dream of becoming a barrister. ,, . , pursue her dream of becoming a barrister. ,, ., , ., ., , barrister. she has got the grades, but because _ barrister. she has got the grades, but because of— barrister. she has got the grades, but because of the _ barrister. she has got the grades, but because of the cost _ barrister. she has got the grades, but because of the cost of- barrister. she has got the grades, but because of the cost of going i barrister. she has got the grades, | but because of the cost of going to uni, jesse has had to make a tough decision. , ., . ., decision. due to the cost of living and the prices — decision. due to the cost of living and the prices of _ decision. due to the cost of living and the prices of student - decision. due to the cost of living and the prices of student loans, i j and the prices of student loans, i am going to commute to salford, so i will be living at home.— will be living at home. would you like to live _ will be living at home. would you like to live in _ will be living at home. would you like to live in a _ will be living at home. would you like to live in a way _ will be living at home. would you like to live in a way for _ like to live in a way for university?— like to live in a way for university? like to live in a way for universi ? , ., , , university? yes, to build my independence _ university? yes, to build my independence and _ university? yes, to build my independence and get - university? yes, to build my independence and get more| university? yes, to build my _ independence and get more knowledge from other areas, notjust where i from other areas, not 'ust where i am from. �* , , ., ., ~ am from. but this result would take am from. but this result would take a closer to becoming _ am from. but this result would take a closer to becoming a _ am from. but this result would take a closer to becoming a solicitor. - a closer to becoming a solicitor. that is what i expected. she says caradin in that is what i expected. she says grading in england _ that is what i expected. she says grading in england should - that is what i expected. she says grading in england should still. grading in england should still reflect the grading of the pandemic, like in other parts of the uk. i am hoinu like in other parts of the uk. i am hoping employers _ like in other parts of the uk. i am hoping employers are _ like in other parts of the uk. i am hoping employers are sympathetic to our cohort _ hoping employers are sympathetic to our cohort. take into account the background — our cohort. take into account the background of our a—level results on how we _ background of our a—level results on how we have been affected from my gcses _ how we have been affected from my gcses to _ how we have been affected from my gcses to now. how we have been affected from my gcses to now-— how we have been affected from my gcses to now. with fewer top grades this ear, gcses to now. with fewer top grades this year, students _ gcses to now. with fewer top grades this year, students were _ gcses to now. with fewer top grades this year, students were told - gcses to now. with fewer top grades this year, students were told to - this year, students were told to come up with a plan b. for sam, not the grades he wanted but he has got what he needs. i did the grades he wanted but he has got what he needs.— what he needs. i did struggle quite a lot with my _ what he needs. i did struggle quite a lot with my revision _ what he needs. i did struggle quite a lot with my revision skills - what he needs. i did struggle quite a lot with my revision skills when i a lot with my revision skills when it came _ a lot with my revision skills when it came close _ a lot with my revision skills when it came close to _ a lot with my revision skills when it came close to the _ a lot with my revision skills when it came close to the a—level- it came close to the a—level results _ it came close to the a—level results of_ it came close to the a—level results. of course, - it came close to the a—level results. of course, i- it came close to the a—level results. of course, i am - it came close to the a—levell results. of course, i am very it came close to the a—level- results. of course, i am very happy to have _ results. of course, i am very happy to have gotten _ results. of course, i am very happy to have gotten then, _ results. of course, i am very happy to have gotten then, to _ results. of course, i am very happy to have gotten then, to both- results. of course, i am very happy to have gotten then, to both the i to have gotten then, to both the universities, _ to have gotten then, to both the universities, but _ to have gotten then, to both the universities, but i _ to have gotten then, to both the universities, but i did _ to have gotten then, to both the universities, but i did feel- to have gotten then, to both the universities, but i did feel it- to have gotten then, to both the universities, but i did feel it wasj universities, but i did feel it was a struggle _ universities, but i did feel it was a struggle for— universities, but i did feel it was a struggle-— universities, but i did feel it was astrunle, ., . ., ii ,': a struggle. for the class of 2023, the last few _ a struggle. for the class of 2023, the last few years _ a struggle. for the class of 2023, the last few years have _ a struggle. for the class of 2023, the last few years have taught. a struggle. for the class of 2023, i the last few years have taught some important lessons.— important lessons. there is always another roots, _ important lessons. there is always another roots, just _ important lessons. there is always another roots, just because - another roots, just because something _ another roots, just because something unfortunate - another roots, just because something unfortunate has| another roots, just because - something unfortunate has happened doesn't _ something unfortunate has happened doesn't mean — something unfortunate has happened doesn't mean you _ something unfortunate has happened doesn't mean you cannot _ something unfortunate has happened doesn't mean you cannot still- doesn't mean you cannot still succeed _ doesn't mean you cannot still succeed if— doesn't mean you cannot still succeed. , ., . ~' doesn't mean you cannot still succeed. , ., ., ~ ., doesn't mean you cannot still succeed. .,~ ., , .,~ succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by — succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it _ succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it to _ succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it to get _ succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it to get to _ succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it to get to your- succeed. if you make a mistake, you can learn by it to get to your goals i can learn by it to get to your goals and keep— can learn by it to get to your goals and keep going. i can learn by it to get to your goals and keep going-— and keep going. i am going to achieve this, _ and keep going. i am going to achieve this, it _ and keep going. i am going to achieve this, it is _ and keep going. i am going to achieve this, it is possible - and keep going. i am going to| achieve this, it is possible and and keep going. i am going to - achieve this, it is possible and you can do it. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in pendle. our correspondent navtej johal is at the universities and colleges admissions service headquarters in cheltenham which is having a busy day helping guide students following their results. that is right, welcome to the nerve centre for so many students' hopes, ambitions and fears on this huge day. the staff behind me have been here since eight o'clock this morning, answering calls on social media inquiries, speaking to students, some of whom have not quite got the results they were hoping for and some who have done better than they were hoping. that means they have got choices in front of them which the staff here are guiding them through to find out what is the best option for them. we have heard they have had a few thousand inquiries come insofar today, which is lower than previous years. that might be because of a more proactive approach taken by both ucas and by schools to make sure that students have the information they need ahead of results day. there is 28,000 courses available to students via clearing. the busiest point of the day has just arrived, about ten minutes or so at one o'clock, clearing officially opens which means you can now add your new clearing choice if you choose to do so. if you are looking for more information you can check out the bbc website which has the full guide to everything you need to know about exam results day. thank you very much. more than 60 people are feared to have died after a boat carrying migrants was found off the cape verde islands in west africa. the vessel left senegal on july 10th, believed to be heading for the canary islands, a well—known route for migrants trying to reach europe. survivors have been taken to the island of sal. mayenijones reports. they are the lucky ones. these survivors were spotted in a wooden boat near cape verde by a spanish fishing vessel and they had spent a month at sea. three of mahmoud's siblings and his cousin were on the boat. his 24—year—old brother died. they both tried making the journey together earlier this year. translation: one of my brothers called to say - another brother was dead. i was shocked because we were close and he was a fighter. he was married and had two kids. a booming population, crumbling economies and growing insecurity is pushing thousands of young people to leave west africa. as the legal means of accessing europe tighten, many of them are turning to dangerous, illegal routes in search of a better life. the atlantic migration route from the coast of west africa to the canary islands is often used by african migrants to reach spain, especially in the summer. but it is one of the world's deadliestjourneys. translation: it comes with a lot of pain, yes, i but we know that immigration issues are global issues which require international cooperation, a lot of discussion and a global strategy. until such a solution is found, young people like mahmoud says he will keep reaching europe despite the risks. myenijones, lagos. our top story this afternoon... the legendary tv interviewer sir michael parkinson has died at the age of 88. coming up, a special report on clean air schemes for cities and why they are proving divisive. coming up on bbc news, distance runner eilish mccolgan is out of the world athletics championships. the british medal hope pulls out with a knee injury. the championships get under way this weekend in budapest. more than 20,000 people have been told to leave the canadian city of yellowknife, as huge wildfires threaten to engulf their homes. the country's environment minister has warned the blazes are a "real threat" to the city. in the canary islands, the authorities have ordered more than 3,500 people to evacuate their homes in tenerife, as firefighters battle to stop the spread of blazes there. and on the hawaian island maui, where 111 people are now confirmed dead, questions are being asked about what caused the disaster and whether more could have been done to save lives. from maui, john sudworth sent this report. maui's fight continues. this pilot, hovering above a swimming pool... now being used to douse the flames further down the hill. these homes, some distance from the destroyed coastal town of lahaina, are in the centre of the island where, last week, just before the fires, the cameras at this bird sanctuary captured a bright flash. staff believe it is a tree falling on a power line. shortly afterwards, flames can be seen in the forest. ross hart saw something similar before his home burned down. we could hear some trees falling here and there in the distance. one big one fell here on the bridge and it knocked over the power lines. and then you saw the house... you could see it burn? i saw it begin to burn and they wouldn't let me stay to watch it. they were dragging me out, because the ambers were starting to come over on my truck and stuff. questions are now being asked about whether lives might have been saved. should maui's power grid been turned off? could more have been done to sound the alarm? for many of those who escaped from lahaina, alongside the trauma there is now a deep sense of anger. i hate it, i want these people to explain to me why we didn't get an alarm when they have the most sophisticated alarm system in the world? they practice it every month and what in the world are they waiting for, you know? the authorities have launched an investigation, although the priority for now is responding to the disaster. but the wildfire risk, despite the devastation in lahaina, is farfrom over. this helicopter taking multiple trips, carrying water off to fight the wildfires still smouldering right across this area. but some of those who have lost homes here, point to something they say should already have been focusing the minds of the authorities. like, as if it isn't obvious, notjust from what's happening here, but all over the world. what could be more obvious that we are having disaster after disaster that's all as a result of climate change. with more bodies yet to be recovered, this is already america's most lethal wildfire in more than a century. few doubt that lessons need to be learned. john sudworth, bbc news, maui. clean air schemes to try to reduce traffic have been introduced in many cities across the uk in an attempt to cut pollution and improve air quality. london's ultra low emission zone is due to be expanded later this month, but other cities have similar zones, including glasgow, sheffield and portsmouth. but the schemes vary from place to place, and different vehicle types are charged different daily fees to enter an area. charges for a non—compliant vehicle range from £7 for taxis in bradford to £100 for lorries, buses and coaches in bristol. and the clean air zones have been divisive. our transport correspondent katy austin has been speaking to businesses and residents in birmingham and bradford about their impact. signs like these have become a common sight. we'vejust entered birmingham's clean—air zone. it's been in operation for over two years now and it's one of seven that have sprung up in cities around england over the past few years. here, driving an older, more polluting car or van means an e8 daily charge. in one residential area we got a sense of how opinions remain divided. a lot of people live here, ok, and especially kids. i think those cars which make a lot of pollution, i think we should consider the direction of banning them. there are a lot of people round here struggling to put food on the table. and as for the clean air zone, no, that won't work because the people around here won't be able to afford other cars. the manager of this shop did manage to switch to a car that doesn't attract a charge, but he still felt a financial hit. they order something to my shop. the first question they ask me, "are you in the zone or out of the taxi zone?" so when you say, "i'm inside the taxi zone," they are going to ask for £8 for your delivery. birmingham city council told us the proportion of the most polluting vehicles entering the zone had more than halved to 6.4% since it was introduced. but in the famousjewellery quarter staff at this business, however much they support the principle, it's come at a cost. there is a definite drop in footfall. there has been a lot of confusion in what cars are allowed, what cars are not allowed. in bradford the clean—air zone is slightly different. the rules here mean that there isn't a charge for private cars driving into the zone, but there is one for taxis, vans, lorries and coaches if they don't meet the emissions standards. the council says 98% of local taxis now do, helped by grants. so has the scheme worked so far? we need to wait until the clean—air zone has been in place for at least a year to be able to look at the impact on air pollution, but also to be able to look at the impact on health in bradford. it has already proved a practical headache for this delivery firm, based literally around the corner from the clean—air zone boundary. bosses here say grants to help replace the noncompliant vehicles would not have covered the cost so now it is a case of avoiding charges whenever possible. we have a team that look at what vehicle can go into what area. it is not always feasible to send a large load in. we understand why they are doing it but we just sometimes think that sometimes it's rushed and not a lot of thought has gone into it for businesses because you're trying to make a living. they say the patchwork around the country can also be confusing, straying into a different city zone can prove a costly mistake. plans to introduce a clean—air zone in manchester are under review amid growing discussion of the best way to clean up the air without hitting people too hard in the wallet. katie austin, bbc news. 200 water voles have been released at a nature reserve in cumbria as part of an attempt to create a thriving population of the endangered mammals. water voles were once widespread in rivers and lakes across the uk, but have been almost wiped out in recent decades because of loss of habitat and invasive predators. our science correspondent victoria gill reports from the lake district. being prepared for a new home. more than 200 water voles transported here all the way from devon are being checked, ready for release in this cumbrian valley. it's part of a two—year mission to bring the endangered mammals back to the lake district. oh, it's really exciting. when you work in conservation, you want to see things that should be in the landscape. and sometimes things come naturally and sometimes you have to give them a bit of helping hand. so all of the work that the team's been doing on site for the last few years to make sure that the site is suitable for water voles for it to eventually end up with the release of water voles, is just a fabulous thing to see. water voles used to be widespread in the rivers, streams and lakes of cumbria, but there are nowjust a few isolated populations left here. all of these animals have been bred in captivity and most of them will be introduced to their new habitats in these special soft release pens. just very carefully carrying the water voles down onto the site. it's been prepared for about two years, this area, but it's being kept a secret, the exact location to protect these mammals. a key way this habitat has been prepared for today is by controlling the population of non—native american mink, predators that decimated the water vole population. volunteers will check on the pens daily until the doors are opened in about three days' time. for a few of the more mature voles, though, it's straight into the water. and while some are enthusiastic to swim, others seem keen to hide in the undergrowth. it's really exciting. they're an important component of the landscape and their effects on vegetation, by the way they burrow and how they make little lawns and graze. but they also provide a really good food source for native predators, the kind of animals that should be preying on water voles and eating them. so there is one in here. it's just good to see them back where there should be, returning them back to the place where they should be in the first place. in total for this project, 350 animals will be released in two locations in cumbria, bringing a missing species back to the landscape where it belongs. victoria gill, bbc news, haweswater. england's lionesses are just one game from world cup glory after knocking out the hosts, australia, in the semi—final. they'll play spain on sunday in their first ever world cup final. yesterday's historic match was the most watched of the tournament so far, with a peak tv audience of more than seven million. our sports correspondentjane dougall reports from sydney. england's success has swelled. they had a wobbly start to their tournament, but like a patient surfer, they knew when to peak. england's 3—1 victory over the hosts wiped out australia's dreams of a world cup final. australia's loss was england's gain and fans across the uk went wild as the lionesses booked their spot in the world cup final. the aussie news stations reluctantly acknowledged england's victory. for them it was about the journey of their women's team. every one of you matildas should hold your head high, thank you, thank you, 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england. what a past that is, it is| rousseau! as england's third goal went in attention is turned to sunday's match.— went in attention is turned to sunday's match. ever since i was ounuer sunday's match. ever since i was younger i — sunday's match. ever since i was youngeri drink— sunday's match. ever since i was younger i drink about _ sunday's match. ever since i was younger i drink about a - sunday's match. ever since i was younger i drink about a world - sunday's match. ever since i was | younger i drink about a world cup and you dream about winning it and to have the chance to do that this weekend is what we have all worked hard for. ,, , ., hard for. spain is the final challenge _ hard for. spain is the final challenge with _ hard for. spain is the final challenge with this - hard for. spain is the final - challenge with this tournament, so will england's may be on that trophy? will england's may be on that troh ? , ., .,, will england's may be on that troh ? ,., ., trophy? 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failing. england are riding the wave of their success and with j the wave of their success and with so many favourites out this could be their best chance to win a world cup. jane google, bbc news, sydney. time for a look at the weather. here's stav danaos. good afternoon. we are holding onto the warmer theme for the next few days but a bit of low pressure throwing a front our way will bring increasing humid conditions and the chance of heavy, thundery rain. this is the area of low pressure i'm talking about and the active weather front is approaching close to our shores. high pressure bringing a largely fine day today. however, there is more clout than we had yesterday, particularly in scotland, north—east england and the south—west of england. we can't rule out the odd light shower as well in the afternoon.