Monty Python reunion shows to feature Stephen Hawking

The Cambridge physicist is said to be a 'big Python fan'

The five remaining members of Monty Python (Reuters)

As one of the fastest selling shows of all time, Monty Python Live (mostly) is receiving support from the strangest of places.

In an unlikely match, scientist Stephen Hawking is teaming up with the troupe for their reunion shows.

Alongside Professor Brian Cox, Hawking will feature in the opening show at London's O2 arena tomorrow night.

Speaking at a press conference in London today, Python Eric Idle said of the iconic physicist: “He's a big Python fan so he was asked if he would and he said within one minute 'yes”'.

Not only has Hawking exposed his Python fandom, but Rolling Stones stars Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts have also come out of the woodwork.

The press conference opened with a promotional sketch featuring the two musicians sending up the concerts, with Jagger asking why the audience wanted to watch a “bunch of wrinkly old men trying to relive their youth and make a load of money”.

The 70 year-old rock legend then goes on to dictate a Rolling Stones set list featuring the band's most well-known hits.

It’s not just rock stars and scientists on the bill; comedian David Walliams will host the red carpet interviews on the final night of the tour (20 July) in a Last Night of the Proms style, according to Idle.

For those that missed out on the first batch of tickets, which sold out in an extraordinary 44 seconds, 600 previously unreleased tickets to all the shows will be available to buy later today.

The last night will be broadcast live on the comedy channel Gold and in cinemas in more than 100 countries.

Monty Python Live (Mostly) runs for 10 nights at the O2 from Tuesday 1 July.