The Chase's Paul Sinha has spoken out about how his Parkinson's disease is impacting his comedy career.
The ITV game show star and comedian was diagnosed with the condition - a progressive disorder which damages the brain - in May 2019, informing fans and viewers of The Chase via a blog post and update to Twitter.
While the 53-year-old's stressed the importance of having a 'positive attitude' about his illness - which he argues can 'help slow down the disease process' - Sinha has admitted he fears his 'time is running out'.
In his blog post at the time, Sinha explained he'd just had the 'comedy month of [his] life' in May in New Zealand but 'behind the facade of the cheerful, late night comedy festival drunk was a man deeply scared about facing the truth when back in the UK'.
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He reflected on having to cancel his run at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, having to deliver the news to loved ones and being 'emotionally bewildered'.
However, Sinha noted at the time of writing he felt 'far more prepared for the new challenges ahead' with family, friends, colleagues and a fiancé by his side.
Sinha resolved: "I don't consider myself unlucky, and whatever the next stage of my life holds for me, many others have it far worse."
But how does Sinha feel ahead of his 2023 Edinburgh Fringe run?
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Ahead of his show titled, Paul Sinha: Pauly Bengali - which begins tonight (10 August) - Sinha opened up to Richard Herring on his podcast RHLSTP about how his illness has impacted his approach to performing comedy.
The 53-year-old said: "I have no idea how long I'm going to be a stand-up for, because I get more tired with every passing year. I just want to go up and do a show that is fun.
"Without wishing to sound bleak, my time is running out. I don't know to what degree my time is running out.
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"It could be five years, it could be 10. I just want to go, 'I'm enjoying myself'. I think it's important to end your career with no regrets."
Despite fearing his 'time is running out,' in a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, Sinha was quick to note he is definitely still very much enjoying himself.
"I have a very positive outlook towards the whole thing. And i think that's really important for your own health," he added.
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The comedian explained: "This is my third Edinburgh show since my diagnosis. [...] I've done shows 21, 22 and this year, 23 and Parkinson's has been a big part of all of them because you have to take advantage of what makes you unique as a comedian.
"And as far as I'm aware, I'm the only comedian at Edinburgh this year who has a neurological illness. And as a result the humour can be quite brutal because you've got to own it."
You can catch Sinha at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Venue Seven - The Stand's New Town Theatre, Grand Hall from 10-14 August and 16-27 August.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303. The helpline is open from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and bank holidays. You can also visit their website here.
Topics: The Chase, TV and Film, Health, Celebrity, ITV, Mental Health
Poppy Bilderbeck