In a statement he releases on his website, the 76-year-old comedy legend explains the reason why he has to cancel his 'North Korea Journal' book tour which were scheduled for October.
- July 25, 2019
AceShowbiz - Monty Python star Michael Palin is to undergo surgery fix a "leaky valve" in his heart.
The British comedy legend, 76, revealed he will be undergoing the procedure in September, in a post on his website.
"Five years ago, a routine health check revealed a leaky mitral valve in my heart," he wrote. "Until the beginning of this year it had not affected my general level of fitness. Recently, though, I have felt my heart having to work harder and have been advised it's time to have the valve repaired."
"I shall be undergoing surgery in September and should be back to normal, or rather better than normal, within three months."
He has cancelled a book tour scheduled for October to promote his "North Korea Journal", a spin-off book from his recent travel documentary about the secretive communist state.
Michael's bout of ill health sadly coincides with Monty Python's 50th anniversary celebrations, as the comedy troupe mark five decades since their first show aired on the BBC on October 5.
British Film Institute (BFI) chiefs are planning a month-long season celebrating its members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Michael in September.
