Eric Idle interview: 'Monty Python entered the BBC through a backdoor and refused to leave'

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The 50th anniversary of Monty Python, which debuted on the BBC in 1969, is coming soon, but don’t expect Eric Idle, one of the comedy troupe’s founding members, to celebrate. “There’s no reason we actually should.” That doesn’t mean the Python spirit isn’t still alive inside Idle. I’m interested in my life, whatever is left of it.” The comedy ground has shifted since Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Idle united in the 1960s, in part because of Monty Python. open image in gallery Idle performs on the opening night of ‘Monty Python Live ’ In those grim times,were you an optimist?