Millions of viewers' hearts went out to Billy Connolly on Sunday night, after the comic legend opened up on his Parkinson's battle during the BAFTA TV Awards.
Sottish comedian Billy has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, but, in recent years has been seen less frequently on screen and on stage after being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, and then retiring from live performances five years later.
Billy, 79, is now unable to write due to the shaking in his arm caused by the condition and last year told Graham Norton that not being able to do that 'broke his heart.'
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The comedy icon, affectionately known as the Big Yin, won the prestigious Fellowship honour at Sunday's BAFTA Awards and, while not at London's Royal Festival Hall to accept the accolade, appeared on screen to the packed celebrity audience and BBC viewers at home to deliver a pre-recorded video message.
And, during the clip, Billy spoke candidly about the affect Parkinson's has had on him, saying: "Symptom spotters among you may notice that my left is different from my right. It is 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 is a jolly life. I have got no complaints."
In his message, Billy also joked about how much things had changed since he embarked on his career in comedy 50 years ago, before, showing he definitely hasn't lost his sense of humour, by adding: "I went from strength to strength on television and here we are today getting this award. I couldn’t be happier. It has made me such a happy man getting these good attendance medals now my career is out the window."
Billy's appearance on the BAFTAs both delighted and moved fans in equal measure. One took to Twitter to write: "Aaah the magical #billyconnolly . I couldn't be happier for him," with another tweeting: "For me & so many others
@Billy_Connolly is truly by far & away the funniest person this planet has ever produced. I truly love the man with all my heart & I'm so grateful for all the times he has made me laugh out loud."
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