Michael Palin says John Cleese and Monty Pythons will ‘rally around’ Terry Jones after dementia diagnosis

Michael Palin has opened up about his sadness at watching Terry Jones “withdrawing” and said he and the other members of the Monty Python comedy troupe will rally around him as he battles dementia.

Jones, 74, was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia – a form of dementia that affects the ability to communicate.

Palin, 73, presented Jones with a Bafta Cymru award for his contribution to film and television at the weekend, which marked Jones’ first public appearance since news of his diagnosis was announced.

Speaking to Radio Times after the ceremony Palin said: “It was emotional because I love the guy and we have done so much together. He has an illness and is withdrawing in a sense.

"This is progressive and the loss of the ability to speak is one of the things it brings.

He continued: "I grew up with a father who stammered and that was difficult enough for him. But for words just not to even be there, not to utter anything, it's a terribly sad thing to befall anyone.

"I saw John (Cleese) yesterday and there's nothing much we can do but stand there and say, 'Oh God, what has happened to our friend?' But the Pythons will rally round."

Jones received a standing ovation at the Bafta Cymru awards as he took to the stage to receive his award.

The comedian told the crowd to ‘quieten down’ before his son Bill helped him with his speech.

“We would like to thank everyone," he said. "I know it's a great honour for dad to win this award.

“The struggles we've been going through ... We are so proud of him."

Palin last week described the diagnosis as "truly tragic" and said Jones is still very much seen as a working member of the troupe.

In a social media post he wrote: “What has happened is truly tragic and sad. It's a form of dementia, it's progressive and that's that.

“His wife and child are doing their very best, it's difficult. I was with him yesterday evening and I think he knows people.

“He likes to see old friends and we've got to carry on our friendship. It's not ended, it's just very sad he's got this form of dementia. He can't talk at any great length but he laughs at memories when I bring them up."

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