The Chase star Paul Sinha opened up about his terrifying health ordeal that left him needing heart surgery

The Chase star Paul Sinha recalled the worst week of his life when he underwent open-heart surgery. The professional quizzer, 55, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, made the candid admission during Wednesday’s (August 20) instalment of The One Show. Speaking in a pre-recorded clip, Paul opened up about his decision to pursue a career in stand-up comedy and how that led him to performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Looking back at his last appearance at the festival in 2023, Paul recalled how things quickly took a turn when he suffered two heart attacks in the space of a few weeks.

“The last time I came to Edinburgh Festival was 2023, I had a show that I really enjoyed but my time here was slowly spoiled by the fact that the first week, I had a small heart attack, and in the third week, I had a small heart attack. That’s not the Edinburgh that you want,” he said. Paul, a former general practitioner, continued working, but was admitted to hospital later that year where he underwent surgery.

“I had a coronary artery bypass operation, which I can honestly say was the worst week and a half of my life,” Paul confessed. “Everything has been a sort of comeback since then. Steady, unspectacular comeback, no great drama.”

Paul is supported by his husband Oliver, who he married in 2019. Oliver accompanies Paul to his stand-up shows and makes sure he stays on top of his medication to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms.

Following on from his terrifying ordeal, Paul declared: “Life’s short, and I think it’s very important to get the balance right between doing the right thing for your health and not getting rid of the stuff in life that brings you joy. It’s a difficult process and it’s a difficult balancing act.”

Last month, Paul made a confession about his future during a comedy set at this year’s Ealing Comedy Festival. After revealing that his Parkinson’s had been a “tough diagnosis” to come to terms with, he made the heartbreaking observation that the condition could leave him helpless in years to come.

Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 (Image: BBC)
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“I’m well aware that in 15 to 20 years’ time, I might be completely immobile and totally expressionless,” he lamented.

Nevertheless, he employed his characteristic wit to inject some humour into the dark moment, remarking, “But hey – I’m still Australia’s number one break dancer! Sometimes these things are sent to try us.”

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder which can cause mild symptoms initially, such as tremors and balance difficulties. However, as the condition worsens, it can lead to difficulties with mobility, speech and even swallowing, with some individuals eventually needing a wheelchair.

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, and while some people experience rapid progression of symptoms, others can go decades before requiring assistance with daily tasks.