Paul Sinha, best known to millions as The Sinnerman on The Chase, has spoken candidly about his Parkinson’s diagnosis — admitting the reality of the condition has been “tough” to come to terms with and offering a stark glimpse into how he sees his future.

The 55-year-old quiz star opened up during a stand-up set at the Ealing Comedy Festival, where he addressed the progressive neurological disease with a mixture of brutal honesty and trademark humour.

Speaking from the stage, Sinha did not shy away from the long-term implications of Parkinson’s, telling the audience:
“I’m well aware that in 15 to 20 years’ time, I might be completely immobile and totally expressionless,” according to reports in the Daily Express.

Yet even in the face of such a sobering prospect, the comedian managed to flip the moment with wit, quipping:
“But hey — I’m still Australia’s number one break dancer. Sometimes these things are sent to try us.”

Sinha first began to suspect something was wrong during a seemingly ordinary taxi journey in May 2019, while travelling from Wellington Airport to his hotel in New Zealand. 

“In a taxi on the way from Wellington Airport to my hotel, I googled ‘Parkinson’s’ plus ‘frozen shoulder’ and just got the shock of my life,” he revealed.
“This mass of medical literature saying, ‘This is what you’ve got.’”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that often begins with mild symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, balance issues, and muscle rigidity, before gradually worsening over time.

Despite the diagnosis, Sinha has continued to work, performing comedy and remaining a key part of The Chase — one of Britain’s most successful quiz shows, which has been on air since 2009.

He is one of six Chasers currently appearing on the programme, hosted by Bradley Walsh. The line-up also includes Mark “The Beast” Labbett, Shaun “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan, and newcomer Darragh “The Menace” Ennis.

The Chase has enjoyed global success, with versions broadcast around the world. New Zealand is set to become the 22nd country to produce its own edition, hosted by Paul Henry, though an official broadcast date has yet to be announced.

In New Zealand, The Chase UK continues to air daily on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ at 5pm, maintaining a loyal fanbase who have rallied around Sinha following his diagnosis.

While his words paint a sobering picture of what the future may hold, Sinha’s willingness to speak openly — and even joke — about Parkinson’s has been praised by fans as both courageous and deeply human.