Monty Python star Terry Jones dementia diagnosis

Monty Python star Terry Jones has been diagnosed with dementia.

Terry Jones has been diagnosed with dementia Picture: Chris Pizzello

Jones, 74, who directed Life Of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, and co-directed Monty Python And The Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam, is suffering from primary progressive aphasia, which affects his ability to communicate. The news about Jones’s health came as Bafta Cymru announced he has been given a special award for outstanding contribution to film and television.

A spokesman for the Welsh-born comedian 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 was a member of the famous comedy troupe, which also included John Cleese, and wrote many of their best-loved works.

His award was announced at the Bafta Cymru nominees party, as well as that of make-up artist Sian Grigg. The pair will be celebrated at the British Academy Cymru Awards on October 2.

Hannah Raybould, of Bafta Cymru, said: “The Bafta Cymru committee recognises Sian’s talents and her huge contribution to such an array of films including Titanic, The Aviator, for which she won the Bafta for make-up and hair in 2005, and more recently The Revenant for which she also received a Bafta nomination.

“We are also 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.”

Kathryn Smith, director of operations at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are deeply sorry to hear about Terry Jones’s diagnosis of dementia and are thinking of Terry and his family during this time.

“Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia, and we do everything to keep people with dementia connected to their lives.”