Palin ‘still clicks’ with ex-Python dementia sufferer

MICHAEL PALIN has said he and his fellow Monty Python star Terry Jones still enjoy moments where things “click” and they can understand each other, despite Jones living with dementia. Jones, 76, who directed

and

and co-directed is suffering from a form of dementia that affects his ability to communicate. Sheffield-born Palin told

that Jones is “the one I see most” from the comedy troupe, which includes Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle and the late Graham Chapman.

He said: “He can’t communicate his thoughts any more. It’s sad. I’m very fond of him and I enjoy going there and hanging out. Occasionally things click and we can understand each other.”

celebrates 50th anniversary next year.

The BBC’s comedy commissioner Shane Allen made headlines earlier this year when he stated that if such a team were assembled today, “it’s not going to be six Oxbridge white blokes”.

Discussing the comment, Palin told the “It’s been 50 years. Talk about beating us up when we’re down. He was obviously manoeuvred into saying something silly. What does he mean? If you’ve had a good education and you’re white you’re not able to write comedy? What are they going to say? ‘Oh God! The man who wrote that’s an Etonian.’

“’But it’s hilarious.’ ’It’s no good, he’s an Etonian!’”

Palin, who can next be seen in the new ITV adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel said times have changed when it comes to making television. its