Billy Connolly has given an emotional speech as he was honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at this year’s TV Awards, telling viewers how Parkinson's disease has affected him in recent years.
In a pre-recorded message, Connolly said: "I haven’t been on the stage for about two years. This is kind of nice, and it suits me. And the symptoms spotters among you may notice that my left is different from my right. It’s just one of these things. Parkinson’s disease - I suffer badly from the disease. My wife puts on my clothes in the morning and takes them off at night. It's a jolly life. I’ve got no complaints."
Connolly added: "I went from strength to strength on television. And here I am today, getting this award.
"I couldn’t be happier, it’s made me such a happy man, getting these good attendance medals now that my career’s out the window.
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"It’s lovely talking to you, cheerio."
Connolly’s first BAFTA recognition came in 1995, when he won the BAFTA Scotland Entertainment category for Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland.
He has since received five BAFTA nominations, and has been presented with a BAFTA Special Award in 2002 and the BAFTA Scotland Outstanding Contribution to Television and Film in 2012.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Connolly said: “I am deeply honoured. Fifty films and… I can’t remember how many TV shows - as well as my stage comedy - added up to something that’s a joy to look back on. A lovely thing. I have no regrets at all. I had no idea the Fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal! (Laughs). It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow.”
Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content, added: “We’re honoured to be awarding Sir Billy Connolly with the 2022 BAFTA Fellowship Award. He has made a remarkable contribution to our industry from his first appearance on Parkinson in 1975, through to becoming a national treasure on stage and screen, adored by fans around the world. BAFTA is looking forward to celebrating this award with Sir Billy in due course and thanking him again for his phenomenal career in television.”
Jess Hardiman