Sir Michael Palin says 'I'll have to slow down soon' as he opens up on future

Sir Michael Palin has openly shared that slowing down isn't quite his style but acknowledges it must come at some point.

The Monty Python legend revealed his feelings during a discussion with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning, where he reflected on his distinguished career and contemplated the road ahead.

During the heart-to-heart on the show, Michael admitted his reluctance towards taking a backseat: "I don't like slowing down really. I know I will have to soon, but I love challenges."

The comedic icon passionately added: "I love new work, I feel very privileged that I'm in a position where I can suggest things and go places other people wouldn't be able to see.

"I think it's really important to remember there's lots to do and lots to see."

Sadly, in 2023, Michael lost his beloved wife Helen due to kidney failure.

He reflected: "It's like you're a unit, and suddenly you are not a unit any longer, and it's a bit like losing a bit of a limb, you're not quite sure where you are.

"I do hear her and she had a great sense of humour. Sometimes I will have done something and I'll get back and tell her about it. Although she's not there, I know her reply and it makes me smile."

Despite cherishing a life full of achievements, Michael hinted at one thing close to regret when discussing choices between travel and time spent with his wife.

"I don't have regrets really. Perhaps towards the end, when I was doing the later travel journeys like North Korea. Helen was then less well, less good at looking after herself, unfortunately, and that was a slightly difficult time," he said.

"I don't think she particularly wanted me to go away then, but she knew that my interest in travel and other people was very deep-seated, it wasn't because I wanted to get away from home it wasn't that at all."

Michael described her death as an "indescribable" loss when she passed away, as he had paid tribute to his wife.

"Her death is an indescribable loss... she was the bedrock of my life. Her quietly wise judgement informed all my decisions and her humour and practical good sense was at the heart of our life together," he said.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.