Comedian Peter Kay has shared a sad update on the health of his hero Billy Connolly, revealing the Scottish comedy legend is “not doing so well”. Kay, 52, spoke about Connolly during an interview on BBC Radio 2, where he discussed his comic influences.
Connolly, 81, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 and retired from live performances in 2018. Kay said: “I met Billy Connolly. I still keep in touch with Billy Connolly now and he’s not so good now, but he would still message and that. I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren’t for him. I think so much of it is influenced by him, heavily. Amazing.”
Kay's comments were met with warm applause at the Lyric Theatre in Manchester, where he was being interviewed by Sara Cox as part of a Radio 2 special. He also recalled a touching exchange with another comedy hero, Ronnie Barker, who wrote to him in character as Norman Fletcher from the sitcom Porridge.
Kay is currently promoting his new book, 'Peter Kay's Diary: The Monthly Memoir Of a Boy From Bolton', and has extended his tour, with proceeds from final shows going to 12 cancer charities. During the interview, he also opened up about his struggles with weight loss, saying he tried “everything” but only succeeded when he started thinking about his health.
