Bill Bailey's Health Warning in Vietnam Sparks Medical Check-Up Plans
Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey has disclosed that he is "living day to day" after receiving a concerning health warning during his travels in Vietnam. The 61-year-old comedian and actor, who explored destinations such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay for his new Channel 4 series, was told by a spiritual practitioner that he might have a problem with his small intestine.
Spiritual Session Leads to Health Concern
During what was described as a wildly entertaining yet heartfelt journey, Bailey participated in a session with a fortune teller. It was here that the potential health issue was raised, leaving him stunned. In an interview with The Metro, Bailey expressed his cautious approach, stating, "I’m living day to day. At any point I could conk out. I have kept an eye on it. You think it’s all nonsense, but on the safe side I should probably check it out. It seems to be all right."
Despite initial skepticism, Bailey intends to have the matter medically investigated, highlighting his proactive stance towards health. This comes after years of managing a separate chronic health condition, which has previously led to hospitalisations.
Emotional Moments and Cultural Traditions
While in Vietnam, Bailey also engaged in the cultural tradition of burning paper effigies, a practice used to memorialise loved ones. He was particularly moved upon discovering a paper replica of a wireless radio, which reminded him of his late mother Madryn. Coincidentally, his visit to Hanoi marked 20 years since her passing.
"I couldn’t believe it when I found a paper radio because that was what my mum loved more than anything else," Bailey shared. "Suddenly there was a confluence of circumstances." He also used the moment to remember his late friend Sean Lock, who died from cancer in 2021, noting that he still feels Lock's presence "very close" and hears his voice in daily life.
History of Health Struggles
Bailey's latest health concern is not his first encounter with medical issues. He has a history of asthma, which has resulted in multiple hospitalisations and the use of a nebuliser—a device that converts medication into a fine mist for deeper inhalation. In recent years, he experienced a "mortifying moment" during a gig in Australia when an asthma attack forced him to flee the stage, an incident he described as a wake-up call.
To prevent a recurrence, Bailey, who is the son of a GP, now undergoes regular medical reviews and uses a steroid inhaler to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. He previously revealed, "Each time I went on stage, I literally had an inhaler perched next to the microphone, one by my guitar and another on the piano. I was so scared of not being able to breathe again."
Looking Ahead
As Bailey plans to address the potential small intestine issue, his new series, Bill Bailey's Vietnam, is set to premiere this Saturday at 9.15pm on Channel 4. The show promises to blend stunning scenery with personal reflections, capturing both the beauty of the country and the comedian's introspective journey.
