An ITV’s The Chase star refuses to be overshadowed by Parkinson’s as he shares a positive health update.
Having been diagnosed at age 49 in 2019, Paul Sinha hopes his continued television success will act as an inspiration for others who may have the condition.
Determined to continue working, he has been showcasing his sharp wit and knowledge on the new series of Beat The Chasers. And he’s gearing up for further TV projects.
He said: “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. The important thing is to not let it define you.”
Now 53, Paul remains a formidable force on the show, taking great pride in his participation: “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. I feel that I’ve shown in the past three or four years that you can do it whilst having Parkinson’s. There’s no limit to what you feel you’re able to do.”
His involvement in the show has even become a part of his strategy for managing his symptoms, reports the Mirror.
The quiz maestro added: “It’s a good way of measuring its progression because my results haven’t got worse since I got Parkinson’s.
“It’s a good way of measuring my brain’s ability and function. I’ve always said that if I felt that the ability was going down, I’d call it myself, and I still stand by that. But it’s definitely not going down, so that’s fine.”
Paul, famed as The Sinnerman on ITV’s hit show The Chase, has made his mark in the quizzing world with appearances on The Weakest Link, University Challenge: The Professionals, and Mastermind.
Before becoming a quiz icon, he pursued a medical career as a junior doctor in London and King’s Lynn hospitals while simultaneously dipping his toes into the world of stand-up comedy.
In a candid revelation last year, Paul expressed concerns about the uncertain future of his comedy career, acknowledging that each Edinburgh Fringe Festival could potentially be his last.
He confessed: “I have no idea how long I’m going to be a stand-up for, because I get more tired with every passing year. I just want to go up and do a show that is fun.”
Speaking on the RHLSTP podcast, Luton-born Paul, who is happily married to Oliver Levy, opened up about his personal timeline, saying: “Without wishing to sound bleak, my time is running out.
“I don’t know to what degree my time is running out. It could be five years, it could be 10. I just want to go, ‘I’m enjoying myself.’ I think it’s important to end your career with no regrets.”
