But doctors tell him to take three months off

Sir Michael Palin has revealed that he’s on the road to recovery following his four-hour open heart surgery.

The comedian and traveller says he has to take three months more off work, but considers that an 'upsid'e.

Sir Michael gave fans an updated on his website four weeks after the surgery in London.

He wrote: ‘Terrific team at Bart’s Hospital opened me up, had a look around, found a second valve that needed attention, and now instead of feeling like an old Ford Anglia I’m well on my way to feeling like a one previous owner Golf GTI.

‘The operation took over four hours but I felt very little pain afterwards. Main problem now is trying hard not to do too much. 

‘My chest won’t really be ready for any gold medallions for at least six weeks, and I’m told the ticker, which enlarges to deal with the extra work-load from dysfunctional valves, may take a year to return to normal size. 

‘The upside is I have to take three months off work – doctor’s orders. Longest period without major work since I started in the biz in 1965. A chance to look around and see what others are doing. Which at the moment seems largely shouting at each other.’

The 76-year-old thanks fans who sent cards and messages of support before adding: ‘Now, excuse me while I get back to doing nothing.’

• Fellow Monty Python star John Cleese has received a lifetime achievement award at the Cologne Comedy Festival. Organiser Ralf Guenther said Cleese has been ‘a wonderful ambassador for the famous British sense of humour’.

Published: 4 Oct 2019