Four-letter Connolly doesn’t have to mind his language

HIS comedy routines have always been peppered with colourful language.

But censors have now ruled that Sir Billy Connolly’s swearing is not aggressive and films of his shows should not be X-rated.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has said the comedian’s use of foul language is part of his ‘trademark style’ and is not intended to insult anyone.

The organisation featured an analysis of 77-year-old Sir Billy’s final stand-up show, The Sex Life of Bandages, in its annual report.

It found the performance, which was released in cinemas last year, featured frequent strong language including ten uses of the C-word.

However, it was given a 15 certificate by the BBFC, meaning it can be viewed by older teenagers, after it said Sir Billy’s swearing was not aimed directly at anyone, and audiences would be familiar with his style.

In its report, the BBFC said: ‘Our research and public consultations have demonstrated that very strong language (‘c***’) can still be an issue of concern.

‘Billy Connolly: The Sex Life of Bandages is a recording of a performance by the Scottish comedian at the Sydney Opera House in 2015, during his final world tour.

‘As well as frequent use of strong language, the performance contains ten uses of very strong language.

‘However, these are not accompanied by aggravating factors such as aggression or the terms being directed but are instead embedded in Connolly’s trademark comic style, with which the natural audience will be familiar.

‘We therefore classified the performance 15.’

Sir Billy, pictured, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, announced his retirement from stand-up in 2018. Previous films, including the 2015 DVD release of his High Horse tour show, have been given an 18 certificate by the BBFC.