Comedian and former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner Joe Pasquale has shared a deeply personal health revelation, disclosing a long-standing and worsening hearing condition.
The Hidden Health Struggle
Pasquale explained that his hearing deterioration stems from four decades working in front of loud speakers, with constant exposure to music and shouting taking its toll. "I am going deaf," the entertainer stated frankly. "It's an ongoing thing and they say as you get older it'll probably get worse."
Fortunately, the comedian has found an innovative solution to manage his condition discreetly. "I have a great pair of glasses now that have hearing aids in," he revealed. However, he noted the technology presents challenges during pantomime performances where sound levels fluctuate dramatically.
Television Challenges and Secret Identity
Pasquale's hearing difficulties created additional complications during his recent appearance on Beat The Chasers, where he was unmasked as Maverick. The comedian described the unique challenges he faced while concealing his identity from close friend Bradley Walsh and viewers.
"I had a mask and balaclava on so I couldn't hear anything, and I'm deaf as it is," Pasquale recalled. "I couldn't wear my glasses either, so they had to cut little holes in it."
The deception required careful planning, with producers advising him to alter his natural behaviour to avoid detection by Walsh, who knows him "inside out." Pasquale had to consciously slow his rapid speech and limit his physical movements - a significant departure from his usual animated style.
Looking Ahead to Panto and Beyond
Despite the challenges, Pasquale successfully maintained his secret identity, leaving Bradley Walsh "genuinely surprised" by the revelation. While he hasn't received an invitation to return to Beat The Chasers, the comedian expressed hope for future appearances.
For now, Pasquale is preparing for his theatrical return to Swansea Grand Theatre in Aladdin, where he'll play the character Frankie from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. He described the venue with affection, calling it his "ancestral panto home" and expressing excitement about the production's combination of digital sets and traditional comedy elements.
Reflecting on his health journey, Pasquale remains pragmatic about the future of his hearing while continuing to pursue the performances that bring him joy, proving that even personal challenges won't keep him from the stage he loves.
