Sir Billy Connolly is planning another very welcome return to TV
The stand-up comedy legend could be back on our screens again as he continues to battle Parkinson's disease.
Sir Billy Connolly might well be lining up yet another return to our TV screens as he battles with Parkinson's disease, according to his frequent collaborator Mike Reilly.
Reilly told Metro it has been an "absolute pleasure" to work with Connolly ever since 2011, including on his newest series Billy Connolly Does. He hinted that he has been approached by various different channels about creating something else with the legendary comedian.
"I’ve been asked about doing something else with him, which we’re in conversations about that. But I’m not allowed to say what it is. But it’ll be nice if it happens, it’ll be great if it happens."
Connolly announced his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2013 and subsequently retired from stand-up comedy in 2018, admitting that he was starting to forget his own routines. He has since explained how much he missed stand-up.
His newest series, Billy Connolly Does..., is focused around the comic at his home in Florida, featuring new reflections from Connolly as well as classic clips from his acclaimed career on stage.
Reilly said he would love to keep working with Connolly, but he stressed that he will always be led by the 81-year-old star. After several decades at the top of the comedy mountain, he's earned the right to do whatever he wants.
Watch: Billy Connolly says he uses art as a coping mechanism
"I wouldn’t want to make these films and have these conversations with him unless he really wanted to, and he was invested. It just wouldn’t work," he said.
Reilly added: "It needs to come from him. My job is just to listen and talk, ask questions and have a good time. I have a great time making these shows. I absolutely love it."
Connolly became a stand-up comedian in the early 1970s after initially working as a welder. He became one of the most beloved names on the comedy circuit, commanding big crowds right up until his retirement.
As well as his stage career, Connolly was a regular chat show face. In particular, he was responsible for some of Michael Parkinson's greatest chat show moments.
He has been outspoken about the effects of Parkinson's since he was diagnosed, speaking frankly about the ways the illness has affected his life.
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