Sir Billy Connolly gives emotional speech about Parkinson's as he picks up Bafta Fellowship

Sir Billy Connolly was honoured tonight as he was awarded a Bafta Fellowship and gave an emotional acceptance speech talking about Parkinson's.

The Big Yin, who now resides in Florida, appeared via video link at the Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards this evening.

Billy, who turns 80 in November, said that it was nice to be recognised even though he hasn't been on stage in two years.

Bafta’s Fellowship is the body’s highest accolade, given to ­recognise “outstanding and exceptional contribution” in film, games or TV over a career.

The former Clyde shipyard welder joins a list of ­recipients that includes Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Walters, Sir Trevor McDonald and Dawn French.

During his acceptance speech, he also revealed that having Parkinson's is taking its toll on him and he's now struggling with the left side of his body.

He said: "I am very proud to receive this...life is good. I haven’t been on the stage for about two years. This is kind of nice...it suits me.

He added: "Symptom spotters among you may notice that my left is different from my right. It is just one of these things. Parkinson’s disease. I suffer badly from the disease.

"My wife puts on my clothes in the morning and takes them off at night. It is a jolly life. I have got no complaints.

Speaking about the award, he said: "I went from strength to strength on television and here we are today getting this award.

"I couldn’t be happier. It has made me such a happy man getting these good attendance medals now my career is out the window."

Sir Billy, who was knighted in 2017, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 and retired from performing five years later, but has continued to record shows and appear on TV.

In 2002, Sir Billy was presented with a Bafta special award and honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Bafta Scotland in 2012.

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