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Peter Kay has issued a new update on the beloved comedian Billy Connolly. The Glasgow-born entertainer announced in 2013 that he was suffering from the "initial stages" of Parkinson's, an incurable disease that attacks the nervous system. He is best known for his stand-up comedy performances and announced his retirement in 2018. Fellow comedian Peter Kay has now revealed to a crowd at Salford's Lowry Theatre how Billy is coping with his diagnosis. He reportedly said: "I met Billy Connolly. I still keep in touch with Billy Connolly now, and he's not so good now, but he would still message and that."

He said a few months ago to Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2: "I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren't for him. I think so much of it is influenced by him, heavily."

The main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremors in the hands, legs, arms, and head. Muscle stiffness and slow movements are also indicators of the disease.

In 2023, Billy spoke exclusively to The Guardian in an interview where he revealed that he suffered significant falls.

"Recently, I've noticed a deterioration in my balance. That was never such a problem before, but in the last year, that has come and it has stayed," Billy stated.

The comedian married Pamela Stephenson in 1989, and they have three daughters together. He was previously married to Iris Pressagh from 1969 until 1985.

"The balance issue has been most significant, hasn't it?" said Pamela. "Especially since, unfortunately, it resulted in you having a couple of serious falls?" Billy quipped: "It's funny, that fall.

"I had when I landed on my jaw reminded me of a thing I used to do on stage. I used to say: 'I fell out of bed, but luckily my face broke my fall?'" Pamela joked back: "It wasn't so funny when you broke your hip."

Billy then recalled: "It's just added to the list of things that hold me back. I feel like I want to go for a walk, but I go for 50 yards and I want to go home because I'm tired. I'm being encroached upon by this disease.

"It's creeping up behind me and stopping me from doing things. It's a cruel disease."