ITV’s Paul Sinha fears his Parkinson’s diagnosis is a ticking timebomb (Image: ITV)

The Chase’s Paul Sinha made a grave admission about where he sees himself in 15 years time, as the mood briefly became serious during a laughter-filled set at this year’s Ealing Comedy Festival. Talking from the stage on Thursday night, the ITV fave admitted that his “progressive, degenerative neurological condition”, Parkinson’s Disease, had been a “tough diagnosis” to receive.

It had come within months of him tying the knot with husband Oliver Levy in 2019, whom he met through the world of quizzing, making for a bittersweet year. He recalled how he’d then developed a “crushing tightening episode of chest pain” during a conversation with Celebrity Big Brother star and Reggae Reggae Sauce creator Levi Roots, after he’d teased him by calling him by his real name – Keith Valentine Graham. Paul joked: “I thought, either I’m having a h3art attck, or I’ve fallen prey to a mysterious Rastafarian d3ath thr3at!”

Paul Sinha says he developed chest pain during a conversation with Levi Roots (Image: Getty)

Paul did go on to have two h3art attcks in the space of just a week at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Meanwhile, he made the chilling suggestion that his Parkinson’s could leave him helpless in the coming years.

“I’m well aware that in 15 to 20 years time, I might be completely immobile and totally expressionless,” he lamented.

However, he used his trademark humour to add a humorous twist to an otherwise dark moment, quipping, “But hey – I’m still Australia’s number one break dancer! Sometimes these things are sent to try us.”

Paul Sinha is remaining “optimistic” despite Parkinson’s struggles (Image: Getty)

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder which can cause mild symptoms initially, such as tremors and balance difficulties.

However, as the condition progresses, it can cause struggles with mobility, speech and even swallowing, with some facing being confined to a wheelchair.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, and while some find their symptoms progress very quickly, others can go decades before they need help with their daily activities.

Paul is determined to keep going in the world of comedy and quizzing for as long as his condition will allow, vowing to the audience that he’ll get through the challenges life throws at him with “optimism”.

Meanwhile, The Chase star also took a cheeky swipe at “unemployed” viewers of the show, which left audiences roaring with laughter.