Michael Palin held at gunpoint while making new documentary
Michael Palin showed iconic Monty Python sketch to armed guards
- Comedy icon Sir Michael Palin and his crew were detained at gunpoint by armed guards from Venezuela’s intelligence service, SEBIN, while filming a new Channel 5 travelogue.
- The 82-year-old actor described the encounter as "quite alarming," with armed men in bulletproof vests confiscating passports and searching belongings for several hours.
- The mood shifted after the guards found Monty Python clips online, specifically the "fish-slapping dance," which Sir Michael noted made them "crack up."
- Sir Michael felt the atmosphere improved significantly after the sketch was viewed, leading to their eventual release by the end of the day.
- The three-part series, Michael Palin in Venezuela, is set to air on Channel 5 from 16 September.