HARRY Hill has opened up about a terrifying incident that landed him in hospital as an on-stage stunt with an ironing board went awry.
He broke several ribs during the accident, which he says highlights the risks of live-show stunts as he gets older.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 11: English comedian, author and television presenter Harry Hill attends a photocall during the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival at Charlotte Square Gardens on August 11, 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images)[/caption]
From CPL Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule: SR3: Ep1 Pictured: Sir Tom Courtney, Alison Hammond, Harry Hill, Martine McCutcheon and Les Dennis, This photograph is (C) CPL and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture […][/caption]
Harry, 59, who is best known for his hit series TV Burp, has been preparing for his 2025 show tour, titled New Bits and Greatest Hits after some time away from the spotlight.
However, the former medical doctor turned successful stand-up comedian, radio and TV host, and film actor revealed in an interview with The Times that while he was rehearsing for the upcoming live shows, he suffered a horrifying injury after falling off an ironing board.
“The live-show stunts are becoming more of a problem as I get older,” he admitted.
“I broke a few ribs falling off an ironing board, and it takes longer to recover these days. But I haven’t got the outwards sign of anything. Put it that way.”
Harry is famed for his comedic skits as the name of his tour suggests he’ll be bringing back some of his greatest hits along with some all new stand-up.
Happily, the tour will still be going ahead after Harry is fully recovered as he describes himself as being “fit as a fiddle” despite his recent accident.
During the interview, Harry also hinted that this tour might be his final hurrah, as he seems to have set his sights on retirement.
Sharing some wisdom from a friend, he explained his decision. “This friend has worked as a GP for 30-odd years, delivered babies, seen their parents retire, get sick, die, the full family GP thing and he said, the time you need money is between 60 and 75 because after 75, if you’re still alive, you’re probably sick,” he said.
Harry continued: “Even if you don’t have anything, your world narrows, you don’t want to go on holiday, you don’t need any new shoes, clothes.
“And I thought, yeah, you’re right … it completely changed my outlook. With me it’s always jam tomorrow. But at 60 there aren’t that many tomorrows.”
The Shark Infested Custard star also revealed his own stint as a doctor before changing careers had profoundly altered his outlook on life.
“As a doctor, I saw these people dying. People that saved all their life for their retirement or people who were fit and doing lots of jogging, and I thought, Christ, there’s not really much you can do about this, apart from not smoking. That’s why I changed professions,” he explained.
Harry now feels he lives life to the fullest, using his daily dog walks as his main exercise to stay healthy.
He added: “The only bad thing you can do for your health is smoke. Everything else, providing it’s in moderation, you can do. Just don’t smoke. And you can trust me. I used to be a doctor.”
A look back at Harry Hill’s career
Iconic TV presenter and comedian Harry Hill has admitted he’s nearing retirement, so let’s take a look back at some of the best moments in his career…
Harry Hill’s TV Burb won awards
- This wasn’t Harry’s first ever TV role, but it was certainly his biggest. The comedy sketch series ran from 2001 to 2012 on ITV1.
- The show’s format combined elements of clip show highlights with comedic sketches and parodied scenes, and on occasion involved noted television personalities (such as Alan Sugar who notably complained about his portrayal) and actors of the time, alongside minor extras and real-life people.
- He capitalised on this success with The Harry Hill Movie, which was released in 2014.
He found his younger fans with Harry Hill’s Shark Infested Custard
- This show marked Harry’s first and only venture into children’s television.
- The name of the show was derived from the punchline of the well known children’s joke: “What’s yellow and dangerous? – Shark infested custard!”
Promoting his musical I Can’t Sing with Simon Cowell was a “weird” career highlight
- “It was weird, mainly because I’d only met Simon Cowell twice before and suddenly we’re travelling around together for weeks doing breakfast TV,” Harry recalled.
- He added: “It was odd just being in the car with him. The musical was mocking X Factor, but he was good about it from the start. It was so much fun to do and I would do it again in a shot. I was heartbroken when it all came to an end.”
Harry has had done a number of TV cameos and live shows
- From appearing on ChuckleVision to competing on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off, Harry Hill has done it all.
- Alongside his impressive TV career he’s found the time to star in a number of live comedy shows, including Birdstrike! and Sausage Time.
His later career has been defined by presenting roles
- Harry has regularly presented Junior Bake Off since 2019 and guest presented popular shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Have I Got News For You and Saturday Mash-Up!
- And, of course, he has also returned to the small screen as the presenter of his own show, Harry Hill’s World of TV.
