Chase star Paul Sinha has opened up about how he wanted to inspire others to cope with Parkinson’s after being diagnosed at the age of 49.
The broadcaster, 53, was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder in May 2019.
Yet throughout his fight, the researcher said he didn’t want the disease to “define” him.
He told the Daily Star: “I’m trying to prove to the world that Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be the end of someone’s story, that you can continue to do the things you love . The important thing is not to let yourself be defined.
He praised hit ITV quiz show Beat The Chasers, a spin-off of The Chase, for supporting him at work.
Chase star Paul Sinha has opened up about how he wanted to inspire others to cope with Parkinson’s after being diagnosed at the age of 49.
The broadcaster, 53, was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder in May 2019.
Paul – who is known as The Sinner on the show – explained that he is “extremely proud” of his role on the show as it requires such speed and quick reflexes.
“I feel like I’ve shown over the last three or four years that you can do this with Parkinson’s. There’s no limit to what you think you can do,” he said.
The TV personality also said his role on the quiz show helped him gauge the progression of Parkinson’s, as he admitted that fortunately his abilities had not deteriorated since the diagnosis.
“It’s a good way to measure my brain’s capabilities and functioning. I always said that if I felt the capacity was decreasing, I would call it myself, and I still stand by that. But it’s definitely not going to go down, so that’s okay.
During his appearance on Good Morning Britain last year in July, Paul revealed that his diagnosis motivated him to try musical theater, once again proving his incredible resilience.
He said that in addition to incorporating his Parkinson’s disease into his stand-up, he also began doing musical theater.
Speaking about his diagnosis, he said: “I have a very positive outlook on it all, which is good for your health. And this will help slow the disease.
He continued: “I was diagnosed in May 2019 and Parkinson’s disease has been a big part of my comedy shows. I am the only comedian in Edinburgh this year to suffer from a worsening neurological condition.
“I’m trying to prove to the world that Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be the end of someone’s story, that you can continue to do the things you love,” he said. to the Daily Star.
He praised hit ITV quiz show Beat The Chasers, a spin-off of The Chase, for supporting him (pictured on the show with the other Chasers and host Bradley Walsh)
Paul explained that he had always wanted to do musical theater, but it was his Parkinson’s disease that pushed him to do so because “eventually I won’t be able to play the keyboard at all.”
He said: “I became a musical actor in the last two or three years, mainly because I always wanted to be a musical actor.
“If I don’t do it now, when can I do it?” Because eventually, I won’t be able to play the keyboard at all. So, while I still can, I transformed myself into a musical actor.
He added: “The public knows that I can’t really sing and I’m not particularly good on the keyboard, but they know that because I have Parkinson’s disease. Like all forms of stand-up comedy, it’s a relationship between you and the audience.
“The public trusts you and is on your side.”
Paul revealed that he he can no longer drive or dance because of his Parkinson’s disease and is now more dependent on his husband.
Quiz told the Daily Star: “My Parkinson’s disease prevents me from dancing. I couldn’t do “Strictly” or anything like that. And I don’t drive anymore.
“In general, everything is slower. To go to an event, I have to wake up an hour earlier than I otherwise would have.
The doctor-turned-comedian revealed he couldn’t cope without the help of his beloved husband Oliver Levy as he is “much more dependent” on him than before.
Paul and Oliver were married in the winter of 2019 in front of a small gathering of friends and family.
Paul is no longer able to drive or dance amid his battle with Parkinson’s and is now more dependent on his husband, he revealed (pictured together in 2022 at the Ethnicity Awards)
