The Chase star Paul Sinha has revealed that he is “fighting as hard as ever” as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease.
After being diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition in 2019, the comedian, 52, has been open with his fans every step of the way.
In his Loose Men debut alongside Vernon Kay, Tommy Fury and Martin Kemp, Paul opened at Mental Health Awareness Week.
While filming Thursday’s pre-recorded episode, he said according to The mirror: ‘I have Parkinson’s. It’s a tough decision and it’s going to get harder for me.
“In the years ahead, I want to do my best to show that it doesn’t have to ruin your quality of life, and that you can fight against the stereotypes others have of you.
‘It’s going to get harder for me’: Chase star Paul Sinha has revealed he’s ‘fighting as hard as ever’ as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease
“That’s why when I’m out and about, I try even harder to look my best. I want people to know I’m not disappearing, I’m still fighting as hard as ever.’
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.’
Health struggles: After being diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition in 2019, the comedian, 52, has been open to his fans every step of the way
Love: Paul revealed last year how his husband Oliver (pictured together) has supported him since his diagnosis
Meanwhile, a separate person added their support, writing: ‘Definitely unnecessary and good on you, you’re delightful’.
It comes after Paul revealed last year how his husband has supported him since his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019.
The professional quizzer was invited to Loose Women during Parkinson’s Awareness Week to talk about his journey so far.
Paul was open and honest about how he felt, saying, ‘I’m fine with being honest with you. I was diagnosed in 2019, which was a bit of a shock to the system. Parkinson’s is a slow disease, I’m still fit.’
Paul went on to explain how his partner Oliver has supported him and that they are both very happy together.
He said: ‘My husband Oliver is quite a calm and pragmatic person. He doesn’t panic about things.”
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.
During the Loose Women interview, Paul further explained that he has not been overly romantic before. He said, ‘I’m not a hugely romantic person. I never thought I’d get married.”
He continued with his trademark wit, “I just got drunk on Christmas, had a drunken epiphany, and realized I wanted him to be officially part of the family.
“It felt great and you want to have your day in the sun right before the pandemic.
“He could at least be a slightly better quizzer than me. But if he’s looking for my job, he can back off now!’
In May 2019, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 49, after which he vowed to ‘fight with every breath I take’.
In a blog post at the time, he said he was initially “in shock” but “feels much better prepared for the new challenges ahead” now that he’s put together a treatment plan.
Displaying his trademark wit, he also joked that a Dancing On Ice performance is now “out of the question” before thanking his family and fiancé for their support in the wake of his diagnosis.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged.
The three main symptoms are: involuntary shaking (tremor), slow movements, stiff and unyielding muscles.
As the condition progresses, Parkinson’s disease symptoms can get worse.
Parkinson’s disease does not directly cause people’s death, but the condition can put a lot of strain on the body.
Paul, who has been the fourth pursuer since 2011, known as “The Smiling Assassin,” stands among fellow quiz legends Jenny Ryan, Shaun Wallace, Mark Labbett, and Anne Hegerty on The Chase.