The Chase star Paul Sinha has shared an update on how he is coping with Parkinson's Disease since his shock diagnosis back in 2019. The ITV star developed the condition frustratingly young: the average age for diagnosis is 60, while anyone under the age of 50 is formally considered to have had a young onset of the disease.
However, he vowed to remain upbeat and busy, after returning to the nation's TV screens this week for an all-new series of Beat The Chasers. In a fresh update, he revealed that he felt "proud" of his continuing commitment to the show, and would now like to be a role model to others who are determined not to let health setbacks rule their lives.
"I'm trying to prove to the world that Parkinson's doesn't have to be the end of somebody's story... that you can carry on doing the things you love," he revealed. The Chase personality continued in an interview with the Daily Star: "The important thing is to not let it define you.
"I take being on Beat The Chasers as a real point of pride because of the speed and reflexes required to be on the show. Whenever I buzz in and get anything right, it's a point of massive pride to me." Paul, also known to fans as The Sinnerman in a word play on his surname, has described his participation on the show as a "good way of measuring my brain's ability and function".
He confirmed that there's been no deterioration in his abilities so far, and viewers have seen him on top form since the return of Beat The Chasers, where he's challenged members of the public to go head-to-head with him for the chance of winning big money prizes. Meanwhile, he feels that not giving up on his beloved game show role has shown the nation that there's "no limit" to what someone with the condition can do.
READ MORE: Bradley Walsh lets slip undisclosed news about The Chase after 'pop' at co-stars [LATEST]
He sounds more upbeat than last year, when he revealed in a heartbreaking interview on Good Morning Britain that he didn't know how much longer he would be able to perform as a comedian and musical act.
"Eventually I won't be able to play the keyboard at all, so while I still can, I've turned myself into a musical comedian," he explained.
Paul then joked: "The audience know I can't really sing, and I'm not especially good at the keyboard, but they know that because I've got Parkinson's."
As the NHS website reveals, involuntary shaking episodes - also known as tremors - are a common symptom, while sufferers also struggle with slow movement and stiff or inflexible muscles.
Don't miss...
The Chase's Mark Labbett apologises to co-stars before aiming sly dig at guest [UPDATE]
The Chase fans floored over 'insane' offer as contestant misses out on huge sum [LATEST]
ITV The Chase fans confused over player's controversial remark to Bradley Walsh [INSIGHT]
Unfortunately, it can also affect balance and memory, as well as being linked to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
The condition is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific area of the brain, which leads to lower dopamine levels.
Physiotherapy and medication can help with these tremors, with brain surgery also available for severe cases, and it's estimated that most people living with the normal condition will have a normal life expectancy.
Paul shares his diagnosis with numerous other celebrities from comedian Billy Connolly to former Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne.
