Monty Python star Terry Jones has been diagnosed with dementia and has revealed that he is no longer able to give interviews as the illness has affected his ability to communicate.
The 74-year-old wrote and directed some of the legendary comedy troupe's best know movies and sketches, including Life Of Brian and Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life.
He also wrote the screenplay for Jim Henson’s Labyrinth and has been involved in numerous movie projects and TV documentaries.
The announcement came as BAFTA confirmed that Jones is to be given a special award for outstanding contribution to film and television next week.
A spokesperson for the writer and director said: "Terry has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of frontotemporal dementia.
"This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations."
Jones shot to fame alongside John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman as part of the Monty Python troupe and starred in some of their funniest sketches along with directing some of their best know movies.
Jones has a seven-year-old daughter with his partner Anna Soderstrom, and has two older children with ex-wife Alison Telfer.
