'Monty Python' star Terry Jones is battling dementia.

Terry Jones

Terry Jones

The 74-year-old comedy legend has been diagnosed with a form of the illness known as Primary Progressive Aphasia which is effecting his ability to communicate.

His spokesman revealed medical condition following Bafta Cymru's announcement he has been given the special award for outstanding contribution to film and television.

The spokesman said: "Terry has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of the frontotemporal dementia. This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations."

Welshman Jones was a key member of the beloved comedy troupe along with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman.

As well as starring in their sketch show 'Monty Python's Flying Circus', Jones was responsible for directing the feature films 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', 'The Life of Brian' and 'Monty Python's The Meaning of Life'.

The surviving members all reunited for 10 live comedy shows, titled 'Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go', at The O2 in London in 2014 with the shows billed as their final ever performances.

Jones lives with his partner Anna Soderstrom and their seven-year-old daughter Siri. He also has two adult children, Sally and Bill, with his ex-wife Alison Telfer.