New retrospective series for Gold

Billy Connolly is to front a new series for the Gold channel, celebrating his 50-year  stand-up career.

The six-part series will feature him looking back at old sets and reflecting  on how his views have or haven’t changed on the topics he addressed.

Each episode of Billy Connolly Does… will cover a particular theme such as work, sex or travel or childhood

Programme-makers are said to have had 'incredible access' to the star, shooting  interviews  in and around his Florida home. The broadcaster says they provide ‘an intimate guide to Billy’s relationship with his material, as well as offering insights into his life’.

Connolly, who will turn 80 next year, has been the subject of several TV retrospectives since his Parkinson’s forced him to step back from the stage. Last Christmas, ITV aired  Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure…, BBC Scotland made the six-part series Billy And Us 

The comedian said of his new show, set to air later this year: ‘I’m really looking forward to sharing a few of my favourite moments from over the years ... it’s been brilliant, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride!"

Iain Coyle, the UKTV executive who commissioned the series, said: ‘So, this is a career highlight, working with one of, if not THE, greatest comedians of all time. I feel incredibly privileged that Billy and his family have given us access, not only to his incredible archive, but also to their everyday lives.

Series director Mike Reilly added: ‘I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with Billy for some time now and the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how easy he makes it for everyone to be in his company, how the laughter, the pearls of wisdom and the shaggy Dog Tales never seem to stop. 

‘To have the opportunity to show all of that while trawling through a treasure trove of amazing comedy is just a dream come true.’

Published: 30 Jun 2021