On Tuesday 6th August Nicholas was due to record two episodes of JAM at the annual Edinburgh Festival for the current series.
A Radio 4 producer told the audience packed into the BBC tent: 'We apologise, Nicholas is ill tonight. I'm sorry we hate to disappoint but Gyles Brandreth will bravely cover both of tonight's recordings.'
The four panellists were Paul Merton, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne and Fred MacAulay
It is only the second time the 95-year-old broadcaster has missed a taping in the panel show’s 52 year history.
A source close to the programme said: 'It's nothing serious. He's just got a bad back.'
Now it has emerged he is in hospital and will remain there at least until early next week. Parsons was due to perform four more shows in Edinburgh as part of the festival – Nicholas Parsons’ Happy Hour – at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar on Thursday 8th, Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th.
Comedian Fred MacAulay is standing in for the broadcaster.
According to the Fringe Programme Guide, Nicholas Parsons’ Happy Hour is his regular one-man show that he performs each year at the festival. This year it was booked for eight evenings, with the first four shows on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th and Monday 5th.
Let's hope he recovers soon for the next series of JAM and next years festival.