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Monty Python legend Terry Jones diagnosed with dementia

Terry Jones, the Monty Python legend, has been diagnosed with dementia, his reps have confirmed.

The news has emerged after he was set to be given an outstanding contribution to film and television award by BAFTA Cymru.

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A representative 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.”

According to reports, he hopes still to attend the event, which will take place next Sunday at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, but he will not be speaking there.

Director of BAFTA Cymru Hannah Raybould said: “We are very much looking forward to celebrating the work of Terry Jones during the ceremony with a look back at his work from 1969 to the present day.”

Jones, who is 74, was born in Colwyn Bay in North Wales, and is best known for his legendary work as part of Monty Python.

As well as starring in the TV sketch series and the Python movies, he also co-directed ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ with Terry Gilliam, and was the sole director of ‘Life of Brian’, in which he played Brian’s mum Mandy, and ‘The Meaning of Life’.

He also directed movies like ‘Personal Servies’ and last year’s sci-fi comedy ‘Absolutely Anything’.

Jones has a seven-year-old daughter Siri with his partner Anna Soderstrom and two older children with his ex-wife Alison Telfer.

Image credits: PA