Python Terry Jones announces that he has a form of dementia

JUST two years after their very successful reunion tour, Terry Jones, 74, one of the creative greats behind Monty Python’s Flying Circus has let it be known that he is suffering from primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia which means that his ability to communicate verbally has been badly impaired.

Not only is he a writer, comedian and director of the Life Of Brian, The Meaning Of Life and Monty Python And The Holy Grail as well as a number of other movies, he was also a historian who presented a number of TV programmes on Medieval Britain.

He has the honour of delivering probably the most famous lines in Python history (and there are plenty of good ones) when playing the mother of Brian, he said “He’s not the messiah, he’s a very naughty boy”. According to him, only four films have ever been banned in Ireland and he directed three of them!

The announcement of the Python’s illness was made because he is about to be honoured by the Welsh Baftas who are presenting the Welsh born star with an outstanding contributions award on October 2.

It transpires that he would be unable to communicate his thanks directly although he would do so through a spokesman who said “Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”