Bill Bailey fills a room full of laughter, but whilst on stage, he is fearful that his chronic condition could strike at any time.
He ranks among the most famous comedians in Britain - from his role in the iconic Black Books to his frequent appearances on panel shows such as Never Mind The Buzzcocks, there are few comedy lovers who haven't enjoyed a good chuckle thanks to funnyman Bill.
Away from the bright lights of the TV studio, however, the 59-year-old has dealt with his fair share of heartache, from the painful loss of a much-loved friend to a frightening health scare that led to him running offstage during a live show. Here, the Mirror looks behind the scenes at some of the more challenging moments in Bill's life, including the serious condition that changed the course of his life forever...
Health 'wake-up call'
Breathing in clean air does wonders for Bill's lungsWhile performing a gig in Australia, Bill experienced a frightening health 'wake-up call' after feeling a full-blown asthma attack coming on, resulting in him running off stage. Bill, who is now a supporter for the charity Asthma + Lung UK, told the Mirror: "It was a pretty mortifying moment, but I chose to view it more as a positive wake-up call."
Nowadays, the comic is much more vigilant and undergoes regular medication reviews. Following his scare, Bill was prescribed a combination steroid inhaler to prevent inflammation and relieve symptoms, He's also begun using three inhalers to make sure he always has one on him.
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Bill told us: "Each time I went on stage, I literally had an inhaler perched next to the microphone, one by my guitar and another on the piano," he told us. "I was so scared of not being able to breathe again."
Having been hospitalised several times with his asthma, Bill has also had to be put on a nebuliser - a medical device that turns asthma medication into a fine mist which can then be inhaled deeply. While Bill strives to stay on top of his asthma, sometimes his condition can be triggered by factors beyond his control - including cold weather.
Bill explained: "The cold will always be a trigger for my asthma. I can’t do much about the air we breathe either." Detailing the staggering difference breathing in clean air makes, Bill added: "When I’m touring on the coast or abroad, it’s as if my lungs expand. I can breathe so freely, and the air feels so much cleaner. I am genuinely amazed by the number of people who are now losing their lives because of poor air quality."
Heartbreak over pal's death
Bill misses comedy pal Sean Lock 'all the time'The death of comedy icon Sean Lock in 2021, following a cancer diagnosis, shocked and saddened fans, and those who knew him best resolved to keep his cherished memory alive. This of course included Bill, who had appeared with Sean on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, and who was left utterly devastated after his passing, at the age of just 58.
Sharing a heartfelt Instagram post to mark the first anniversary of Sean's death, grieving Bill wrote: "Today will be one year since we lost the brilliant comedian and my dear friend Sean Lock. It's hard to believe sometimes that he's not here. Miss you old friend."
Determined to carry on Sean's legacy, Bill, along with other friends and family members, trekked 100 miles from Cornwall to Devon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. After completing the walk in August 2022, Bill - who was inspired by the hikes he and Sean used to take together - managed to raise an impressive £112,000 for the organisation.
Speaking with Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins at the time, Bill reflected: "I miss him all the time, every day. Grief is hard to pin down, it's not something that's an exact science, you never know how it's going to affect you and it can sometimes just ambush you."
Opening up about the weight of his grief at an event held by bereavement charity Winston's Wish in November 2023, Bill shared: "My friend Sean Lock died a few years ago. The nature of grief means that there are those moments that just they keep happening. Those triggers - you never know when they're going to arrive, and you know never know from what source they'll come or what the catalyst will be.
"They can sometimes just ambush. It's happened to me on a few occasions with Sean and it can be anything. Sometimes, I see something and think 'Oh I should tell Sean' and I go to text him. I see something funny and think that he’d like that. There’s a location, a piece of music, even a taste and it takes me back."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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