‘Daft’ Parkinson is wrong: Billy Connolly’s brain has not been ‘dulled’, says wife

Pamela Stephenson insists her husband is ‘doing great’ despite interviewer’s claim about his old friend

SIR BILLY CONNOLLY’S wife has described Sir Michael Parkinson as a “daft old fart” after the broadcaster claimed her husband was no longer able to recognise him due to his failing health.

Pamela Stephenson rebuked Sir Michael after he said that Sir Billy’s brain had been “dulled” by his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

She wrote on Twitter: “Mike Parkinson is a daft old fart – doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Billy’s doing great and still funny as hell.”

Sir Michael, 83, had earlier described an “awkward dinner” with his close friend, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Speaking on ITV, he said the comedian’s “wonderful brain has dulled”, adding: “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.”

He added: “To know someone as long as I knew and loved Billy, it was an awful thing to contemplate, that that had been taken from him in a sense.”

Sir Billy’s wife hit back after the 75-year-old comedian himself dismissed Sir Michael’s comments, saying: “I would recognise Parky if he was standing behind me – in a diving suit.”

Friends and colleagues of Connolly also said they were surprised by the remarks, insisting that he was “fine and well”.

Their defence of the comic and actor was backed up by a statement from the production company Indigo Television, which has made documentaries with Sir Billy and is working with him on a series in which he tours Scotland. It said: “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.

“We were speaking with his wife 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.”

Referring to the “awkward dinner”, Indigo Television said Sir Billy’s family disagreed with Parkinson’s version.

A spokesman added: “The GQ Awards must be the event Sir Michael is talking about – it was in 2016 and Sir Michael presented Billy with an Inspiration Award.”

Billy Connolly became a star beyond Scotland and across the UK after appearing on the BBC’S Parkinson show for the first time in 1975.

He said the appearance changed his “entire life” and the two became good friends.

In recent years, Connolly has spoken frankly about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s.