TV quizzer Paul Sinha is back on screens this week as he returns to ITV’s Beat The Chasers and has refused to let his Parkinson’s diagnosis define him after being told he had the condition aged 49
The Chase star Paul Sinha has given an update on his health following his Parkinson’s diagnosis at the age of 49.
He hopes that his continued success on television will serve as inspiration for others living with Parkinson’s. The popular TV quizzer’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with the condition in 2019, but he remained determined to continue working. This week, he returned to screens in a new series of Beat The Chasers and has more projects lined up.
He stated: “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.” Paul, 53, continues to be one of the top quizzers on the show. He added: “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.” Paul even credits the show for helping him manage his condition.
The quiz star told Daily Star: “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.”
Well-known as The Sinnerman on ITV’s The Chase, Paul is a professional quizzer who has also appeared on The Weakest Link, University Challenge: The Professionals and Mastermind. Prior to his quizzing career, he trained and worked as a junior doctor in London and King’s Lynn hospitals, all while beginning his journey into stand-up comedy.
Last year, Paul shared his fear over not knowing how long his comedy career can go on for. He admitted he goes to every Edinburgh Fringe Festival fearing it may be his last. Paul said: “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.”
Luton-born Paul, who is married to Oliver Levy, told the RHLSTP podcast: “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.”
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