IN 2013, FANS of Billy Connolly were saddened to learn that the legendary Scottish comedian had undergone surgery for prostate cancer and was battling Parkinson’s disease.
Over the course of the last five years however, the 75-year-old performer has continued to appear on stage and screen, but recent remarks made by legendary broadcaster, Michael Parkinson, did much to unsettle Billy’s family and fans.
Speaking on Saturday Morning With James Martin, Michael said Billy’s ‘wonderful brain has dulled’.
I saw him recently – he’s now living in America – and it was very sad, because I was presenting him with a prize at an award ceremony. We had an awkward dinner together, because I wasn’t quite sure if he knew who I was or not.
Billy’s wife, Pamela Stephenson, wasted no time responding to what many considered an insensitive public commentary on a long-time friend and peer.
Taking to Twitter, Pamela called Parky a ‘daft old fart’.
Mike Parkinson is a daft old fart - doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Billy’s doing great and still funny as hell
— Pamela Stephenson (@PamelaStephensn) August 20, 2018
Mike Parkinson is a daft old fart – doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Billy’s doing great and still funny as hell.
And in classic Billy-style, the comedian told The Telegraph:
I would recognise Parky if he was standing behind me – in a diving suit.
Weighing in on the controversy, Indigo Television, who have worked alongside Billy in recent times, countered Parky’s remarks with their own assessment of the comedian’s wellbeing.
We have been busy filming with Billy over the summer and can report happily that he’s on top form – as sharp and hilarious as ever.
According to Digital Spy, they added:
We were speaking with his wife Pamela only today and she is pretty sure that Billy has no more problem recognising old friends than anyone else of his age who has lived abroad for years.
Nice one, Parky.
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