Comedian at centre of joke row ‘desperately sad’ at reports of death

COMEDIAN Billy Connolly yesterday said he was “desperately sad” at reports of the death of Kenneth Bigley - days after being criticised for making jokes about his plight.

The Scottish comic is reported to have made controversial comments about the hostage while on stage at the Carling Apollo, Hammersmith.

Members of the audience at the London venue reported that the 61-year-old said he wished Mr Bigley’s captors would “get on with it”.