MONTY PYTHON - PALIN SLAMS REPORTS HE'S QUITTING TRAVEL SHOWS

LATEST: Former MONTY PYTHON star MICHAEL PALIN has slammed reports he's refused to make any more hit TV travel shows - insisting he can't contemplate a life without globe-trotting.

The 61-year-old funnyman is horrified by claims his six BBC series have prematurely aged him, leaving him too old and exhausted to add to the 160,000 kilometres (100,000 miles) he's already travelled.

Palin has issued a statement insisting he is planning a year-long break from filming to decide which country to explore next, but has no desire to quit the hit programmes.

He says, "Contrary to press rumour I have absolutely no intention of hanging up my boots. Though I may well discard the current pair, for reasons of hygiene, they will instantly be replaced so that I can continue what I enjoy so much.

"I could not imagine my future without travelling. It is fulfilling, stimulating, testing and rewarding.

"For the record, I am taking a year's breather before deciding where to go next. The BBC, who have been wonderfully supportive, know that, my crew know that, even my wife has reluctantly accepted it."