Sir Billy Connolly, 77, to wave goodbye to stand-up career in ’emotional’ ITV special as he continues Parkinson’s fight
SIR Billy Connolly, 77, will wave goodbye to his stand-up career in an "emotional" ITV special as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease.
The documentary about Billy's career, filmed at his home in the Florida Keys, has been called Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure.
The one-hour special is billed as a "fond, uproariously funny tribute" with his "greatest stand-up moments, unseen performance footage and exclusive chats with some of Billy's biggest famous fans."
The episode will feature Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sir Lenny Henry, Dustin Hoffman, Russell Brand, Whoopi Goldberg, Aisling Bea and Sheridan Smith.
Producers said: "Sir Billy Connolly recently announced that he was officially stepping back from live stand-up performance. To mark this major moment in comedy history, this star-studded one-hour special celebrates Billy's anarchic genius and life-affirming brand of humour."
ITV adds: "There are also unique new insights from the woman who knows Billy best - his wife and soulmate, Pamela Stephenson."
The legendary comic went public with his diagnosis of the degenerative condition in 2013.
In a recent interview, Billy said Parkinson's had worsened to the point he felt he was unable to continue.
Most read in Celebrity
The disease, Billy said, “made my brain work differently – and you need a good brain for comedy”.
He added: “I’m finished with stand-up - it was lovely and it was lovely being good at it. It was the first thing I was ever good at.”
The Scottish comedian said despite having to leave the live stage for good, he wouldn’t let his condition take over his life.