Monty Python legend Michael Palin's poignant vow after the death of his wife

01 October 2023 , 18:36

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The English actor, comedian, writer and presenter turned 80 in May (Image: BBC / Firecrest Films / Ryan McNamara)

Sir Michael Palin says he has no plans to retire but adds that at his age he is chuffed when he can get out of a chair unaided.

The Monty Python legend turned 80 in May, three days after his wife Helen died. He said his life had to be “reset” after the loss. The star, who was married to Helen for 57 years, said of his age: “Your body gets rusty like a piece of old machinery that’s done you quite well over the years but then a couple of screws fall off and a door falls off and that’s it.

Sir Michael Palin and his late wife Helen (Michael Palin)

“Fortunately I don’t have any bits that have fallen off so far. I’m enjoying being 80, but at 80 you are old. When you get [to 80] you feel pleased you can still get out of a chair unaided.” He is set to continue his TV travel adventures by heading to West Africa. He told the Headliners podcast: “I hear my wife’s voice going, ‘Get on with it, don’t mope around’. I’m doing what she would want me to do. It is a distraction and stops you from feeling suddenly bereft.

“I’m fairly certain I’m going to be doing another travel series with the same team that sent me to North Korea and Iraq. “West Africa… I can’t say exactly where because it’s still being decided.”

Mark Jefferies