The Chase’s Paul Sinha reveals his Parkinson’s battle inspired him to turn to musical comedy

Paul Sinha has released an update on his battle with Parkinson’s as he reveals it motivated him to try musical comedy.

The Chase sensation, 53, was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition in May 2019.

He appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to discuss his upcoming Edinburgh Fringe comedy show.

Paul revealed that in addition to incorporating his Parkinson’s disease into his stand-up, he also started doing musical comedy.

Speaking of his diagnosis, he said, “I have a very positive view of the whole thing being good for your health. And will help slow down the disease.”

He continued, “I was diagnosed in May 2019 and Parkinson’s has been a big part of my comedy shows. I am the only comedian in Edinburgh this year with a worsening neurological disease.’

Paul explained that he had always wanted to do musical comedy, but it was his Parkinson’s that pushed him to do it, as “I won’t be able to play the keyboard at all eventually.”

He said, “I’ve become a musical comedian in the last two to three years, mostly because I’ve always wanted to be a musical comedian.

If I don’t do it now, when can I? Because eventually I won’t be able to play the keyboard at all. So while I still can, I’ve turned myself into a musical cabaret artist.’

He added: ‘The public knows I can’t really sing and I’m not particularly good on the keyboard, but they know that because I have Parkinson’s. So like all forms of stand-up comedy, it’s a relationship between you and the audience.

“The public has faith in you and they’re on your side.”

It comes after Paul revealed him Can no longer drive or dance due to his Parkinson’s and is now more dependent on his husband.

The quizzer told the Daily Star: ‘Because of my Parkinson’s I can’t dance anymore. I couldn’t do “strict” or anything like that. And I don’t drive anymore.

“In general, everything moves more slowly. To go to an event, I have to get up an hour earlier than I otherwise would have.”

The doctor turned comedian revealed that he wouldn’t be able to get by without the help of his beloved husband, Oliver Levy, as he is “much more dependent” on him than he used to be.

The BBC star said it takes longer to complete simple tasks such as getting dressed, but he is thankful for his husband’s help.

Paul clarified that he doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him as he is still working ‘as hard as I can’.

“With the pandemic and social media, you’re constantly aware that other people have a harder life than you do,” he said.

The comedian said he realized he shouldn’t focus on feeling sorry for himself, but is doing what he can to improve his “quality of life.”

The favorite quizzer added that he doesn’t label himself as courageous, but definitely “practical and pragmatic” as he “plows on” as he battles for his health.

The TV personality explained that he has already accepted that life will eventually take an even more difficult turn for him in the future, but he said he will always watch [his] dear’ because he doesn’t want to ‘disappear’.

In July 2021, the quizzer admitted his worries deepened as he began to notice he was missing things he had known before.

In an interview with Radio Times magazine, the doctor turned TV personality said, “Every time I get a question wrong on a quiz that I used to know the answer to, I think, ‘Should I be worried?’

“And then I realize everyone is doing it. I’m just very pragmatic about it.

“Yes, I’m 51 and I have Parkinson’s – things will fall out of my head, things will stay in my head,” he added.

In March, Paul apologized to fans when he revealed how Parkinson’s affects his behavior on the ITV game show.

He shared on Twitter that he was “talkative” in a recent episode because of his medication.

Paul was seen talking to the contestants trying to beat him and win the prize and receive Bradley Walsh.

He wrote, “Many of these episodes were when my Parkinson’s meds made me very talkative. I can only apologize. #The chase.’

However, fans rallied to support him and praised him for his work on the show.

One person wrote, “You’re amazing Paul,” while a second added, “Why apologise, you’re giving hope and inspiration to many people who suffer from Parkinson’s.”

A third said: ‘I think you’re brilliant! I like your conversation.’

Meanwhile, a separate person added their support, writing: ‘Definitely unnecessary and good on you, you’re delightful’.

Paul and Oliver got married during the winter of 2019 for a small gathering of friends and family.

The year was previously described by Paul as the best and worst year of his life, balancing his newlywed life with the whirlwind of an incurable diagnosis.

Paul, who has been the fourth Pursue since 2011, known as “The Smiling Assassin,” stands among fellow quiz legends Jenny Ryan, Shaun Wallace, Mark Labbett, and Anne Hegerty on The Chase.