When Billy risked his life at Belfast gig in Troubles

A “LOST” film showing comic Billy Connolly risking his life to perform a gig in Northern Ireland at the height of The Troubles is to air on the BBC.

- By Peter Dyke

In the fly-on-the-wall show, the Scottish funny man admits he was advised not to take the booking to play to fans in Belfast as it was so dangerous.

And their warning hit home as a touring cabaret band was shot dead by a paramilitary group a week before his concert 50 years ago.

At the time when "The Big Yin" was asked if he was scared about being blown up by the IRA, he confessed: "My wife thinks like that but I've never really thought much about it.

"I'm frightened to think about it really. As soon as I said 'Yes', as soon as I signed the contract, the violence escalated.