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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Rebecca Speare-Cole

Poignant moment comedian Billy Connolly forced to explain to bagpiper he has Parkinson's

This is the poignant moment Billy Connolly had to explain he had Parkinson's to a bagpiper who asked if he was pretending to play the instrument.

During the Great American Trail, the comedian's latest TV show, Mr Connolly was speaking to a band he met in New Jersey.

In a clip from the show, one of the pipers spotted his hand shaking and asked if he played, adding: "I see your fingers going."

Mr Connolly made light of the moment, saying: "No, I've got Parkinson's. It's second best to playing the pipes."

The Great American Trail centres on Mr Connolly travelling across America along the route that Scottish immigrants took when they arrived on the continent in 18th century.

While in New Jersey, he was speaking to a Scottish-style pipes and drums band when he explained his condition.

The show marks his comeback to TV after retiring from stand-up last year.

Mr Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's six years ago and has spoken several times about the impact the condition is having on his life.

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