Billy Connolly has been pictured looking solemn on a walk near his home in Florida as he prepares to say goodbye to his stand-up career.
The comedian, 77, who is battling Parkinson's disease, has decided to retire from the spotlight and he's going out in style with an ITV documentary.
Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure is due to air on ITV tonight, and he's been seen out and about in the hours before the show hits screens.
Wearing a black T-shirt, checked trousers and red sliders, Billy looked calm and relaxed as he took his dog out for a walk.
He moved to the Florida Keys in 2016 and lives there with his wife of 31 years, comedian and psychologist Pamela Stephenson, 71.
Billy quit touring back in 2017 after his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, and in his new documentary he will talk about his "new lease of life" and look back on his career.
Confirming he will never do another show, he said: "I've done my stand-up. I did it for 50 years. I did it quite well. And it is time to stop.
"My illness, my Parkinson’s disease, has rendered me different. It would either mean renewing what I do and doing something else, or give up what I did and that’s what I've done.
"Why do I like to make people laugh? Because it is a jolly thing, it is good for you and it is good for them.
"It is a dynamite thing to be able to do, to get a laugh out of someone."
He added: "Since the Parkinson's I’m still the same in many ways, but I don’t think as sharply as I need to to be a stand-up.
"I've done 50 years and that’s plenty. Quitting is the right thing to do."
The new show has been described as "emotional and uplifting" and features contributions from stars including Elton John and Lenny Henry as well as a look back at his routines.
A statement from ITV added: "Sir Billy Connolly recently announced that he was officially stepping back from live stand-up performance.
"To mark this major moment in comedy history, this star-studded one-hour special celebrates Billy’s anarchic genius and life-affirming brand of humour.
"There are also unique new insights from the woman who knows Billy best – his wife and soulmate, Pamela Stephenson.
"His A-list fans will share their memories of Billy, send him personal messages and pick their all-time highlights from his glorious comedy catalogue. The man himself will react to their choices and reveal his own favourites.
"Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure is a definitive celebration of an all-time great. An uplifting, emotional and hilarious hour in the company of the legendary Big Yin at his entertaining best.
"It will make you laugh. It may even make you cry. A fitting send-off for a stand-up megastar."
- Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure, ITV, Monday, December 28 at 9.30pm.
