Billy Connolly

How comedy captured the Edinburgh Fringe: part 1

In the first of a series of articles to celebrate the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's 70th anniversary, we look back at the remarkable rise of stand-up comedy and how it came to dominate the once theatre-heavy programme.

Billy Connolly & Me review

A huge roster of civilians and celebrities lined up to tell us about the transformative and healing powers of Billy Connolly's comedy.

With the Big Yin set to hit 75 later this year, and a career taking in work as a welder, folk singer, actor and comic, an hour-long special barely seems adequate to cover Connolly's life. Nonetheless, this interview promises to reveal the comedian's thoughts on the art of swearing and the power of laughter, offer some brand new performance footage and feature famous fans including compatriots David Tennant and Andy Murray.

If only someone had laughed at Hitler, says the Big Yin. Laughter is so powerful that if just one person had snorted while Adolf was his ranting and raving, the course of history might have changed.

Despite his age and illness, Billy Connolly is still laughing. This show celebrates the comedian by offering us a big messy mix of interviews, clips from his stand-up and chat show appearances, and favourite memories of fans from all over the world, from East Kilbride to Qatar.

We hear from celebrity fans such as Eric Idle, Judi Dench, Andy Murray, Elton John and Peter Kay, but while these jolly messages are nice, the best moments come when it's just Connolly.

He is also interviewed, and he recalls how it was impossible to walk down the street in Glasgow without everyone saying hello ... and his wee girl marvelling at how daddy knew everybody!

"I think a little bit of humour does the world a lot of good," says Billy Connolly in this hour-long tribute to his 50 years in comedy. Quite right too, and ITV has found many people who would suggest that a little bit of Billy does them a lot of good. Alongside a new interview, in which the Big Yin reminisces about his career, are video diary extracts from fans all over the world, from Lesley in Glasgow and Stewart in Bognor Regis, to Judi Dench, Eric Idle and David Tennant (or that should be: Jdui, Surrey; Eric, Los Angeles; David, London).

Billy Connolly's tour of Glasgow

From the bar where he signed his first contract to his old houses and homes, we dig up some unknown facts about The Big Yin's Glasgow.

Billy Connolly removed from school records

Billy Connolly was scratched from his old school's records and branded blasphemous by its teachers when he became famous, a new TV tribute to the star has revealed.

Billy Connolly on his desire to return to the stage

Billy Connolly has revealed he is relying on a first course of Parkinson's medication to allow him to perform on stage again as his condition steadily worsens.

The 10 most memorable comedy gigs of 2016

...according to Chortle editor Steve Bennett.