Sir Billy Connolly assures fans he’s not dead and says sorry for ‘depressing fans’

Sir Billy Connolly has assured fans he is not dead and has apologised for “depressing” them following an emotional programme documenting his battles with cancer and Parkinson’s.

The comedian revealed his life was “slipping away” in the heartbreaking BBC documentary, Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland.

Sir Billy reviewed his life in comedy and said he felt "near the end", although he insisted he was unafraid of what awaited him.

But in a less sombre message released online, the comedy hero and adept folk musician told fans he was very much alive.

While strumming his banjo in what appeared to be his new home state of Florida, the Glasgow-born comedian says: "Not dying, not dead, not slipping away. Sorry if I depressed you. Maybe I should have phrased it better."

The musical update was posted on Twitter by Sir Billy's wife, Pamela Stephenson.

Sir Billy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and has been open about his struggles since.

His documentary, which aired on BBC Two, was watched by 2.2 million viewers.